Highly Recommended
Black Watch
National Theatre of Scotland
Black Watch seemed like it came from nowhere, becoming the must-see production of 2006 almost overnight.
"Brings new
meaning to
the term
‘shock and awe’
... worth seeing,
remembering
and celebrating"
The reviews were universally positive, with only a small minority of critics refusing the production a perfect rating. It sold out, swept most award boards and undertook a celebrated world tour. Most importantly, it firmly established the National Theatre of Scotland as a major player in world theatre.
After two years, the production is still as many said it was at its premiere: excellently crafted, staged and performed. It is a potent piece of theatre that sweeps the audience into an emotional frenzy.
Playwright Gregory Burke interviewed members of the Black Watch, extrapolating their experiences into dramatic scenes set in Iraq and Scotland. These scenes are expertly written, infusing the horrors of war with political insight and gallows humour.
A closer examination reveals one minute flaw: most of the characters are not fully developed. The play is very much an ensemble piece. The lines of banter and observations could easily come from any of the characters, most of whom are defined more by stereotype than through personal characteristics. Only Cammy, the play’s narrator, feels like a fully-fleshed individual.
The men are brilliantly played by a cast of ten, all of whom seem like real military men instead of actors merely playing at soldiering. However, as good as they are, the newer members of the cast don’t seem to have as much power in their performances as the actors who originated the roles. This may be down to the first cast’s opportunity to personally add to the production and the formation of their characters during the rehearsal process. However, a first-timer would be hard pressed to separate the remaining original cast members from the newer replacements.
The argument can easily be made that the real star performance is given by director John Tiffany. The staging of the piece brings new meaning to the term ‘shock and awe’. Tiffany manages to create striking visuals: the soldiers’ use of gestures to express their raw emotions over letters sent from home, the synchronised movement of the actors, the creative use of a pool table, to name but a few. Tiffany has carefully crafted a mosaic of images that not only heightens but, at times, transcends the script and the story.
It's debatable whether Burke’s script will translate well into future productions. It feels like a play of its time, and it’s nearly impossible to envision a different production that doesn’t incorporate Tiffany’s directorial choices.
However, there's little doubt that this production will be honoured as an important milestone for Scottish theatre. It has established the NTS and will hopefully lead to the creation of an even stronger Scottish theatre culture. This is certainly a production worth seeing, remembering and celebrating.
Michael Cox
The Edinburgh Fringe production of Black Watch was reviewed in 2006.
Until April 18 2008,SECC, Glasgow. Tel: 0870 040 4000.
www.nationaltheatrescotland.com
Have you seen this production? Share your views!
What the papers said:
The Herald (2006):
***** "Black Watch is an astonishing artistic whirlwind that, despite its localised setting, is utterly international in its approach. The world must see this play. Immediately."
The Scotsman (2006):
***** "Brimming with breathtaking theatricality, inventiveness, style thought provoking intelligence, humour and heart, this is a show that should be seen by everyone who can and is sure to be lamented by those who can’t."
Blog verdicts:
www.viewfromthestalls.co.uk:
"All we really want to say is that it's still bloody good...still as jawdropping, exhausting and emotional as ever."
Bluedog:
"A thrilling and very overwhelming piece of theatre... people will be talking about it for years."
Awards
Herald Angel
The Herald, 2006
Fringe First
The Scotsman, 2006
Best Theatre Writing
The List, 2006
Award for Theatre
South Bank Show, 2006
Best Production
Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2006-2007
Best Director - John Tiffany
Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2006-2007
Best Ensemble
Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2006-2007
Best Technical
Critics Awards for Theatre in Scotland 2006-2007
