 Hermiston is a powerful drama written and
cleverly directed by John Carnegie and based on RL Stevenson’s
unfinished novel Weir of Hermiston. Set in 1792 in the Scottish Borders
with the revolutionary events in France and America as a backdrop. At
the heart of the play is the conflict between father and son. Lord
Hermiston, the father, is Scotland’s chief judge and is conservative
in outlook and proud of it. “Hang a thief when he is young and he
won’t thieve again” is typical of an sympathetic attitude. Archie,
his son, has radical views, given to quoting Thomas Payne and believing
in universal suffrage.
The third
character in the play is Kirstie, the housekeeper, whose powerful
emotions are kept in check by the nature of her employment. Interwoven
into the main plot is the romance between Archie and Kirstie’s niece.
The relationship goes dreadfully wrong with tragic consequences. The
final scene is compelling as revelation piles on revelation.
Strong
performances from Michael Mackenzie as Hermiston, Grant O’Rourke as
Archie and Isabella Jarrett underpins the action. Hermiston is a welcome
addition to Scottish dramatic theatre.
****
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