Wallace's Women - The Stage
Wallace's Women
The Stage
Rating * * * *
William Wallace, the 13th century defender of Scottish liberty famed in Braveheart, is given fresh perspectives in this strongly patriotic play by Margaret McSeveney and Elizabeth Roberts.
The action focuses on the life and prophetic visions of Marion Bradefute of Lamington, reputedly his wife. In an atmosphere heavy with Celtic mysticism four female spirits of ancient Scotland visit her, revealing her calling lies not within convent walls but as the wife of one destined to be a national hero.
Crowned May Queen in a bawdy pagan ceremony and ritually wed to the Rag Man. In premonition she sees his lifeless figure as the corpse of Wallace, gruesomely executed by King Edward of England. The figure of Wallace never appears, yet is a brooding presence.
Theatre Alba's all female cast excels in this vivid production characterised by rapid mood changes, as rumbustious comedy and lively movement give way suddenly to echoes of heroism or visions of tragedy in cinematic style. Sarah Gudgeon strikes just the right note as a happy yet apprehensive Marion.
Brian G. Cooper
