Play Preview: The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil

Play Preview: The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil

‘Arguably the single most important show in the whole history of Scottish theatre’ The Scotsman.

“A Brechtian ceilidh with song, poetry, scenes and sketches” The Guardian

This extraordinary play looks at the exploitation and economic changes in the Scottish Highlands throughout history, from the ruthless evictions of Highland crofters making way for the more economically viable Cheviot sheep in the 18th century, to the development of stag hunts in game parks in the 19th century and finally the exploitation of resources during the North Sea Oil boom of the 1970’s. Written as a musical drama by John McGrath, it explores stories and experiences of Scotland’s land, sea and people across the centuries.

The themes of land reform and exploitation of the Scottish people remain vividly potent today.

A musical drama by the popular Liverpudlian playwright John McGrath, it had its first production in the 1970s, when the 7-84 Touring Theatre Company presented its live stage play to the people of South and North Uist, Benbecula and Lewis.

Watch the trailer.

Watch The Largs Players production part 1 2 3 4 5.

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