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THE DEVIL MASTERS A black seasonal comedy with theatrical royalty
T he Traverse’s big Christmas production is Iain Finlay Macleod’s play The Devil Masters, a sharp satire about power, hypocrisy and the ruling elite set in Edinburgh’s New Town. For the uninitiated, the term ‘devilling’ is used for trainee advocates. An affluent Edinburgh couple, judges Cameron and Lara Leishman come up against John, a ‘wee radge’ on the fringes of society and mind games are played when their beloved dog is held for ransom.
Finlay Macleod, a writer from the Isle of Lewis staying in Stockbridge as part of the Traverse’s annual fellowship, was inspired by the extreme disparity of lifestyles he witnessed on Edinburgh’s streets. As award- winning artistic director Orla O’Loughlin explains, ‘the play deals with the way the haves and the have-nots position themselves and view each other. By bringing two esteemed and wealthy Edinburgh advocates into close proximity with a homeless unemployed man, a very live narrative begins to take shape. Iain’s dialogue was
88 THE LIST 13 Nov–11 Dec 2014
always very funny, very absurd. Make no mistake, this is a black, black comedy, a contemporary Edinburgh immorality tale if you like: perfect Traverse Christmas fare.’ Starring the cream of Scottish acting talent, the cast features John Bett, Keith Fleming and Barbara Rafferty. ‘It’s a thrilling lineup; when we pair that calibre of “theatrical royalty” with an edgy contemporary satire, it gets very exciting,’ O’Loughlin continues, admitting that Traverse shows have garnered something of a reputation for playing with bleak visions of reality.
‘Our writers do not shy away from the darker realities and possibilities of what it is to be alive today. It’s by turns farcical, violent and political.’ It certainly sounds like the ideal antidote to the Krankies: an end-of-year comedy which bruises and has a real resonance, as well as eliciting many (uncomfortable) laughs. (Lorna Irvine)
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 9– Wed 24 Dec.
HITLIST THE BEST THEATRE & DANCE
✽ Slope Untitled Projects gets to grips with the French poets and their lascivious
desires in a production of Pamela Carter’s script that challenges the use of film in theatre. See feature, page 28. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, until Sat 22 Nov; Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Wed 26–Sat 29 Nov.
✽ Edward Scissorhands Matthew Bourne adapts the famous film into his inimitable
dance style. See preview, page 90. Theatre Royal Glasgow, Wed 19–Sat 22 Nov.
✽ The Main Yvette Theatre Paradok’s ‘accessible yet experimental’ theatrical analysis of what it means to be a woman in contemporary society. Space Club, Edinburgh, Mon 24–Sat 28 Nov.
✽ Rooster Rambert present Christopher
Bruce’s contemporary choreography that illuminates the music of the Rolling Stones. Since its premiere in 1991, it has been held up as a bold move for contemporary dance. See preview, page 90. Edinburgh Festival Theatre, Thu 27–Sat 29 Nov.
✽ The BFG An alternative to the pantomime that is nevertheless aimed at all the family,
retaining the humour of Roald Dahl’s classic children’s book. See preview at list.co.uk Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh, Fri 28 Nov–Sat 3 Jan.
✽ Peter Pan It’s the Glasgow King’s pantomime, so expect jokes from the
ark, seasonal hilarity and celebrities showing that they can do the business on stage. See preview at list.co.uk King’s Theatre, Glasgow, Sat 6 Dec–Sun 11 Jan.
✽ Devil Masters See preview, left. Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Tue 9–Wed 24 Dec.
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