HotTrod Theatre Company combines the talents of John Nichol (actor/writer/storyteller) and Iain Fraser (fiddler/composer) to bring to life tales of history, mystery, and heroism. John’s unique delivery and many and varied characterisations, and Iain’s ingenious musical interpretations, lend atmosphere, depth and authenticity to the performance. Al Pattullo completes the dramatic effect with his sensitive and imaginative lighting design.
El Duglas is a colourful and forthright account of the life of Sir James Douglas, often known as ‘The Black Douglas’. Music plays an integral part in the tale which is occasionally delivered in rhyme, in the style of the old Border ballads. The storyteller is none other than Robert the Bruce and the play is set in the Spanish town of Teba where Sir James Douglas was killed in battle.
Why El Duglas? Bruce’s dying wish was that his friend, Sir James Douglas should carry his embalmed heart to Jerusalem, to be presented at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. On his way to the Holy Land, Douglas was, however, asked to assist King Alfonso XI of Castile in recapturing the Castle of the Stars near the Andalucian town of Teba, then held by the Saracens. Sadly, Douglas was killed during the Battle of Teba (1330) and Bruce’s heart never reached the Holy City. Every year, in Teba, an event (Douglas Days) is held in honour of the heroic deeds of ‘the Good Sir James’.
Sir James Douglas was Bruce’s ablest lieutenant and the most professional soldier of his day, whose menacing resourcefulness and outright genius undoubtedly led to victory in the first Scottish War of Independence.
El Duglas premiered at last year’s Duns Playfest and toured extensively in the spring and autumn of 2024.
You may also like the following events from CatStrand:
Also check out other
Arts events in New Galloway,
Theatre events in New Galloway,
Literary Art events in New Galloway.
|
