Comrades of the International Brigade: You can go proudly. You are history. You are legend.

1936. In villages, towns and cities across Scotland, 549 lives are gradually intertwining. People of contrasting backgrounds, ideologies and religions. Spurred on by their burning passion for equality and freedom, they will form the Scottish ranks of the Spanish Civil War’s legendary International Brigade.

2022. The country is in crisis. In a small pub in Prestonpans, East Lothian, four millennials are told a story. The true story of four local miners who, 86 years ago, travelled from the streets of Prestonpans to the valleys of Spain.

They gave up everything that was familiar: for a land that was not; for a people they had never met; and for a cause they believed was right. 549, a play with songs and storytelling, is a timely insight into one of Scotland’s almost forgotten conflicts.

Supported by Creative Scotland.

The Traverse Theatre is funded by Creative Scotland and The City of Edinburgh Council, and has received additional support from the Scottish Government's Performing Arts Venues Relief Fund and Creative Scotland’s Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations.

Reviews

★★★★ "A superb night out" The Scotsman

★★★★ "A beautifully moving tale of friendship, bravery and sacrifice" The Skinny

★★★★ "This play doesn't just want us to remember and respect our history, it's a call to arms and a timely reminder to always fight for what you believe in." The Reviews Hub

★★★★ The Herald

Watch the trailer:

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