Metagama is a new Gaelic / English play for the Western Isles by Irish writer Dermot Healy. The work is a contemporary theatrical presentation of the issues surrounding emigration from Lewis in the 1920’s, with particular reference to the sailing of the S S Metagama and her voyage from Lewis to Canada and North America in 1923. Over 800 people, mostly under the age of 40, left the Islands in 1923/4.

The Project seeks to explore the issues behind leaving the Islands at a period when social and economic conditions in Lewis were difficult. For some it meant the giving up of their birthright; for others, encouragement of State-aided emigration schemes gave a sense of optimism.  The Islands had always produced skilled seamen who took with them their Gaelic culture and strong Protestant faith. The play will consider issues of belonging, of birthright, of cultural identity, the implications of these to the émigrés and the subsequent effects on the morale of the Islanders left behind.

Dermot's play is based on interviews, material from archives and individuals experiences across generations and seeks to capture unique aspects of the Islanders experiences.

Live music accompanying the project will include 1920’s Jazz, traditional Gaelic music of the period, the music of Duncan Major Morrison, Puirt am Beul, Gaelic Psalm and songs written in exile. The production will incorporate short pieces of multimedia with archive footage of the Metagama sailing and contemporary interpretative film of the Western Isles under a video artist commission.

Metagama will be at

• Craigmonie Centre, Glenurquhart on Thursday 2 September at 7.30pm.
• Culloden Academy Theatre on Friday 3 September at 7.30pm

Tickets are £7, £5, £3 and can be booked through phoning 01463 724261 or the centres themselves.