In recent years there has been a lack of quality adult drama performed in Gaelic. This is no longer the case, however, as the national Gaelic theatre company – Tosg - relaunched their adult theatre programme this September after years of concentrating on children’s work. This is a welcome and timely return, with the advent of Bòrd na Gàidhlig's National Plan for Gaelic upon us.

The production consists of a double bill of old and new – a new version of Iain Crichton Smith’s ‘A’ Chùirt’ and the premiere of a specially commissioned work by Dr Iain Finlay Macleod titled “Ãtman”. The tour kicked off in Stornoway’s new art centre, An Lanntair, as part of Faclan – the first Hebridean Book Festival. A tour down the Western Isles, Skye, Inverness and Argyll will take place before the production reaches the Central belt with a performance in Glasgow (at GimorehillG12) on 21st September and Edinburgh (Traverse Theatre) on 23rd September.

Both pieces are short in length in the style of Gaelic community drama. “A Chùirt” was written for the Scottish Community Drama Association (SCDA), which insisted as that plays were between 20 and 50 minutes in length. Atman is slightly longer at around 45 minutes. But don’t be fooled that these plays are short and sweet – this is serious drama, albeit in a digestible size.

Both plays explore the universal themes of justice and injustice and human rights. “A Chùirt”, meaning The Court, is set during the 19th century clearances throughout Sutherland, in the courtroom of the infamous Patrick Sellar’s trial for murder. Although it is rooted in Scottish history the drama will resonate with modern audiences familiar with images of ethnic cleansing and enforced human emigration.

Director Simon Mackenzie comments, “For a young modern audience there are some interesting parallels to modern day atrocities and injustices. Looking at the world today there are a number of places where it seems justice is being compromised – we question how can we stand up to such atrocities and bring to justice those accountable. Therefore, although “A Chùirt” is set during the clearances it has very strong resonances which I think a modern day young audience will relate to and understand.”

In contrast “Ãtman”, a Sanskrit word meaning roughly ‘universal soul’ is set in the present day and deals with somewhat taboo subjects bravely crossing the line between faith and sexuality. Featuring only two actors – a librarian and a psychiatrist, the piece is intimate and intense and manages to continue the exploration of justice and injustice.

A small and talented cast supports the production, including Dolina Maclennan as an ejected widow in “A Chùirt” and Carina Macleod and Donna Morrison’s powerful performance in “Ãtman”,

Although both pieces are in Gaelic, an English synopsis is available for those who need assistance – this can be picked up at performances or you can contact Tosg to receive one before hand.

This production is a turning point for the Gaelic arts as it marks the relaunch of adult drama in Gaelic. Don’t miss this chance to see the premiere of Dr Iain Finley Macleod’s latest drama and this superb version of the classic A Chùirt.

To see full tour details go to www.tosg.org.uk, or email tosg@tosg.org.uk  for details. Tickets can be bought online for performance at the Traverse Theatre at http://www.traverse.co.uk/ 
 
 
Forthcoming Dates –

Thursday 14/09 8.00 Inverness, Spectrum Centre
Friday 15/09 8.00 Taynuilt Hall
Saturday 16/09 8.00 Tiree, Crossapoll Hall
Monday 18/09 8.00 Portnahaven, Rhinns Hall
Thursday 21/09 8.00 Glasgow, James Arnott Theatre, Gillmorehill G12
Saturday 23/09 7.30 Edinburgh, Traverse Theatre 1