James V: Katherine, by Rona Munro
Eden Court -One Touch Theatre - 10/5/2024
Raw Material and Capitol Theatre Productions, Orla O’Loughlin, director
This production is a firecracker. (Forgive the reference as there is a lot of talk about burning heretics.) 80 minutes of pure theatre, history and storytelling performed by a crackling cast. A continuance of Rona Munro’s epic exploration of invisible Scottish history in her epic James Plays. Set in 1538, the time of the Scottish reformation, the premise leads up to the conversation between the young king and Katherine Hamilton, sister of Patrick Hamilton who was the first protestant to be burnt at the stake. However, there is much more to the story as it unfolds. It is an exploration of queer relationships within society at the time, particularly between women. Katherine Hamilton’s best friend from childhood, Jenny, married (but not consummated) to Katherine’s brother Patrick. Katherine benefits from being educated and wealthy but is put on trial for supporting her brother’s beliefs. Jenny, unable to read but full of common sense and a passion for life, persuades against. Love prevails.
Performed by just four actors on a bare stage with minimum props and furniture, just a bench and a chair and supported by effective lighting by Derek Anderson, an electro beat soundtrack by Danny Krass, minimum black leather costumes and set by Becky Minto, the play brings to life the period and the struggle between religion and a misogynistic society which cannot tolerate anything considered abnormal, including homosexuality. Why does Patrick not consummate his marriage to Jenny? In these troubled times it is good to see a play exploring and posing those values. How society has changed for the good, but has it?
Raw Material has some first-class insights into the creative process with historical notes from Dr Amy Blakeway, Senior Lecturer in Scottish History at St Andrews University, setting the background of the play. They also include Rona Munro’s writer’s notes which elaborate on why she chooses the untold stories of queer history in Scottish history. I do not pretend expertise on that period in Scottish history but I sincerely recommend you visit Raw Material’s website and enjoy the programme notes in full.
But back to the show. There are some excellent performances from all four actors. Up front and powerful is the lead protagonist, Katherine Hamilton, played with fire, anguish and despair by Catriona Faint. Alongside her is Jenny played with charm, love, and passion by Alyth Ross. You truly feel the brave and loving connection between them and their place in society. After all, as both women say, ‘The men just ran away.’
Interestingly the four male characters are played by two men. Sean Connor (Constable/James V) delivers a terrific performance as the Alpha male Constable and the unstable but likeable James V. Benjamin Osugo is a thoughtful Patrick Hamilton opening the piece, musing on death, and Spence the inquisitor.
A mention of the vocal delivery. It was a pleasure to hear and understand every word of the text. Something which is rare today. No mics just clear diction. Even this southerner caught every word.
The direction was by the superb Orla O’Loughlin, who memorably gave us ‘Enough of Him’ at the Pitlochry Studio last season, winning best director at last years’ Critics’ Awards for Theatre in Scotland. Again, she brings us ‘The Plays the Thing’. Pure classic theatre in my favourite environment, an intimate studio theatre. Being initially wary of a play which brings several issues to the table, in this case I was totally engaged. It was a joy to experience a writer and artists at the top of their game. This piece should be on the advanced curriculum in schools and surely would be a standout piece for drama students today.
A terrific night, and a proper play.
Touring: Dunoon 10/11th – Birnam 17/18th May – Byre St Andrews 21/22 May – Macrobert Stirling 24/25th May - Eastgate Peebles 28/29th May - Melrose Corn Exchange 31st May 1 June.
