Ian Rankin launches new Rebus in lockdown drama online

Creative Fifers, Ian Rankin and Cora Bissett, have teamed up for a new story about legendary cop Rebus.

They are part of a new season of digital short artworks called Scenes For Survival which features short stories from a host of well known figures.

Rankin has penned a new story on his famous fictional cop as he copes with life in lockdown - and the role will be played by renowned Scots actor, Brian Cox and directed by Bissett.

John Rebus: The Lockdown Blues catches up with the character as he is stuck at home reflecting on his solitary confinement.. His only socially distant link with the outside world is an occasional visit from long-standing colleague Siobhan.

The story- which will be broadcast online free of charge - forms part of a new season from the National Theatre of Scotland which launches online next week.

Each piece has been created by a quarantine creative team, connecting remotely, made up of a performer, writer and director and filmed by the performers, from their personal spaces of isolation.

The season includes over 40 films in total and they will be released, approximately three times a week over the coming weeks online. A selection of scenes will also be broadcast on BBC Scotland, BBC Four and BBC Alba over the coming months.

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/outwith-festival-cancels-2020-and-looks-ahead-next-year-2858626

https://www.fifetoday.co.uk/news/people/glenrothes-man-bags-three-munros-climbing-stairs-home-2860122

Jackie Wylie, artistic director of National Theatre of Scotland said: “Scenes for Survival will celebrate the extraordinary talent of Scottish theatre-makers. Their resilience and creativity in being able to MAKE theatre from their spaces of personal isolation is incredible.

“ It has been fantastic to work in new ways and seek strength in creative collaboration through the cross sector partnership between theatre organisations and broadcasters.

“We hope that audiences will find some joy, shared community and solace in watching these scenes over the next few months whilst raising funds for theatre workers in need.”

Scenes will initially be published on bbc.co.uk/scenesforsurvival and distributed by the National Theatre of Scotland and partners via their social media channels. All Scenes for Survival content will be free for audiences.

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