The Pearlfisher
Traverse Theatre Company
The Pearlfisher reminds us that love stories follow no rules.
Our story begins in 1948. Jess, a young village girl from the Highlands, accidentally steals a set of river pearls from a traveller boy named Ali. What follows could easily have fallen into a cliché of star-crossed romance, but writer Iain F MacLeod spins his tale in a different direction. Act two takes place in 2007, where Jess’s granddaughter is re-enacting similar events from the past.
"A tale of cultural
drama and heartfelt
compassion"
MacLeod fills his story with both humour and sadness. But above all, it is a tale about love. Whether forbidden, lustful, maternal, or platonic, love exists throughout our world for better or worse.
As time shifts between acts, each performer succeeds in their double roles. Nicholas Karimi, once a vile swindler as Willie the Horsieman, becomes the completely affable Hassan. The play is tactfully carried by Elspeth Brodie as both the original Jess and her granddaughter. And special notice should go to relative newcomer Philip Cairns who energetically plays her love interests with both comedy and sentimentality.
Composer/Performer Gavin Marwick adds tasteful colour to the show throughout. Although never intrusive, it would be difficult to imagine this play without his delightful or sorrowing music.
In the end, The Pearlfisher celebrates life. As neither comedy nor tragedy, neither fantasy nor realism, it is a tale of cultural drama and heartfelt compassion.
Patrick Bradley
Until November 10 at Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 228 1404.
November 13 2007, Wauchope Hall, Yetholm,
November 15, MacPhail Theatre, Ullapool,
November 17, An Lanntair, Stornoway,
November 20, Community Hall, Ardross
November 21, Community Centre, Gairloch,
November 22, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, Isle of Skye,
November 24, Village Hall, Ballachulish.
www.traverse.co.uk
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What the papers said:
The Herald:
**** "A dramatic version of a blackly beautiful epic hand-me-down folk ballad... its inherent sadness finally becomes a thing of communal joy"
The Scotsman:
**** "An epic dream of quiet, stubborn resistance... a truly impressive 21st-century drama"
