It is summer 1939 and two young Cambridge naturalists arrive on a remote Hebridean island to conduct a wildlife survey on behalf of the Government.
They are accompanied by Kirk, the island’s tenant, and his attractive young niece Ellen. When Kirk inadvertently reveals to the boys the true reason for their mission, they are drawn into a primeval world of emotional discovery, sexual passion, voyeurism and murder.
A quietly absorbing production.
Minor issues aside though, Firebrand Theatre, here under the direction of Richard Baron, have delivered an atmospheric, soulful revival of a beautiful play.
The production, while always interesting, never really takes flight.
This is performed with such poetically realised force by James Rottger as John, Martin Richardson as Robert and Helen Mackay as Ellen that it all but becomes an anthropological dance or primal mating ritual, with Ellen's libertine siren spirit leading the charge.
This new touring production from Firebrand of Hawick gives the play its full value though, revelling in its strange symbolic intensity.
This is a well considered production from Richard Baron, whose simple but absorbing direction allows Greig’s intelligent text to wash over you. It will keep you thinking long after you rise from your seat.
David Greig’s haunting play was first performed in 2002. His tale of the implications of time catching up with a timeless place is another hit for Firebrand.
On Tour, from Thursday September 25, 2014, until Sunday October 19, 2014.
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