Chris Guthrie is bound to a harsh farming life by her intense love of the land. She dreams of the seductive yet distant world of books and learning, but when war breaks out, Chris suddenly finds herself facing a very different reality as a widowed, single mother in a land altered beyond recognition. Read more …
Set in a farming community in the North East of Scotland, Sunset Song charts Chris’s struggle to adapt to her new world and hold together her fragile family. Her survival depends solely on her belief that beyond the sunset lies hope.
It does full justice to one of the greatest of all Scottish novels and leaves 21st century audiences with plenty to think about, in terms of war and peace, community and freedom, and the right of women to determine their own fate, amid all the winds of social change.
While this brave production is as faithful a rendering of Mitchell’s original work as can be expected from the style of prose that quietly articulates an inner life, the dramatization lacks poignancy and fails to express the depths that he managed to plumb.
The economic set design may seem a tad meagre but the evening is saved by lively storytelling that retains much of the earthy poetry of the book with the added spice of original, live music.
Overall the production is a great tribute to Gibbons’ work and his love for Scotland. There are slight faults in the production however, through Ellen’s vision and her strong cast we are able to reflect on the past and look toward the future of Scotland.
Rather like Chris’ father, Sunset Song is worthy, serious and passionate, but can be difficult to love.
Paradoxically, by trying to remain true to the source, this staging has failed to capture its essence, coming over at times like a staged version of Brodie’s Notes rather than a truly satisfying theatrical experience.
Sell a Door Theatre Company and Beacon Arts Centre have delivered a thought-provoking and haunting stage adaptation, which remains true to the original novel.
Ultimately, the storyline carries itself with this production, but a solid interpretation of the original, with some new staging and tech, can result in a winning formula. In short, Sunset Song will certainly not leave audiences disappointed.
On Tour, from Monday September 8, 2014, until Thursday November 13, 2014.
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