THE BURNING. To 6 September.

Musselburgh

THE BURNING
by Stewart Conn

Theatre Alba at Brunton Theatre 4-6 September 2003
7.30pm
Runs 2hr 25min One interval

TICKETS: 0131 665 2240
Review: Timothy Ramsden 24 August at Duddingston Kirk Gardens, as part of Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Gripping revival of a fine play that should be seen.This being the 400th anniversary of the English and Scottish (strict alphabetical order there) crowns being united as witch-hunting James VI of the latter became James I of the former (provoking Shakespeare's anti-witch Scottish play among other things), you might think the Edinburgh International Festival would have revived Stewart Conn's 1971 epic on a nation's identity, explored through politico-religious activity and power-broking.

But, having paid dues to Scotland with San Diego, and possibly being unable to interest a sufficiently high-profile trashy Euro-director in the project, it's been left to little (if any) subsidised Theatre Alba to do the anniversary honours.

Thank goodness. Breathe a sigh of relief. It's beautifully done and while the indoor Brunton, suitable for chillier September performances, won't have the glorious scenery of the Kirk Gardens in Duddingston village - the far side of Holyrood Park from the palace mentioned in Conn's script - with their grassed playing-area sloping away to distant trees and loch, the script and performances will more than survive.

Keith Hutcheon's pustular, petulant king proclaims his regal might, but James Sutherland's bearded 'Black Earl' has only to speak a single calm sentence, or give one searching gaze for us to know who's in charge, for all the silent courtiers splayed around the scene.

Yet Bothwell knows power, exercised on or behind the throne, depends upon order. The nearest open revolt is allowed is the (unseen) army of 300 in the palace courtyard who are ready to overthrow James unless he proclaims Bothwell's release from all charges and penalties.

Playing against this power-struggle is the free expression of popular dissidence through the decidedly decent Satan-worshippers (their backward-spoken prayers express something closer to anti-totalitarian oppression than any evil intent) whose ceremonies are interrupted by the forces of the state. It's in many people's interest for them to be suppressed. With witchcraft removed, James can be turned against the Catholic faction.

It's the innocent servant Gillies Duncan who is forced to reveal the secret society and their meetings (not so coincidentally, the means of torturing her - a tightened band round the brain - is a means mentioned by the Communist state torturer in The Interrogation at the Netherbow Theatre - the old ways are often the worst).

Kirstin Smith's Gillies, first seen in a scene of apparently innocent herb-picking with another beautiful young woman - who afterwards retains her silence - develops movingly as a portrait of suffering vividly experienced but little understood. And the relation between her and her master Seaton is the most humane aspect of the play. Sean Kane shows a decent man who realises the limit of his ability to withstand state power, without denying the troubled guilt this leaves in him.

Occasionally, the group scenes might have more tightly-focused movement (this could come naturally on a more formal indoor stage). But there is also fine sculpting of different groups around the playing area. And no doubt director Charles Nowosielski has the play's full, generous measure providing, with his all-round strong cast, a gripping experience.

The only real criticism is that this sympathetic revival of a fine play will only be seen, post-Fringe, for only three nights. What a waste. Is there really no money to subsidise such major work these days - at what's both an anniversary and a key moment in the development of Scotland's identity?

Gillies Duncan: Kirstin Smith
The Girl: Michelle Duncan
Priestess: Anna Nowosielska
Herald/Dr Fian: Paul Murray
Minister of Tranent/strachan: Stephen Reynolds
David Seaton: Sean Kane
King's Jester: Robert Williamson
Soldier Sim: Patrick Griffin
Soldier Craw: Frank Skelly
Lord Maitland: Alan McQueen
James VI of Scotland: Keith Hutcheon
Lord Home: James Tenant
Effie McCalyan: Suzanne Dance
Earl of Bothwell: James Sutherland
Agnes Sampson: Fiona Harey
Country Girls: Eleanor Cairns, Sarah Hunter, Jennifer Harvie, Lucy Taylor, Michelle Doran
Soldier: Sam McCluskey

Director: Charles Nowosielski
Musical Director: Richard Cherns

2003-08-29 11:10:41