Guillermo!

The work at this year's NRLA that had the most powerful emotional effect on me was by La Pocha Nostra, fronted by the charismatic Guillermo Gómez-Peña.

Last time I saw him he was on the courtesy phone in the Glasgow Novotel gym, trying to get the running machine switched on.

"The Equipment.. It Is Not Woooorking!"

He drawled, in his imposing baritone, to what I imagine was a rather bewildered receptionist.

Here he is campaigning against the closure of the Contemporary Performance Practice course at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama. Many great artists have graduated from the course in the past, and its loss would leave a massive gaping hole in the cultural landscape.

To pledge your support, contact friendsandgraduates@googlemail.com