Director's Blog
The Sash
Rapture Theatre Presents
The Sash by Hector MacMillan
Scotland’s leading contemporary touring theatre company present the 40th anniversary production of Hector MacWilliam’s classic Scottish dark political play about prejudice, sectarianism and ideals
Following its hit sell out 2011 UK tour of Gagarin Way, Rapture Theatre is delighted to announce the 40th anniversary tour of Hector MacWilliam’s classic Glasgow-set The Sash.
The Story
Taking place on the day of the Orange Walk, Bill MacWilliam is determined that his son, Cameron, will join him on the walk. However, prompted by his mother’s recent death, Cameron has started to question his father’s beliefs. Throw in the arrival of the, staunch Irish catholic, spinster from downstairs with her pregnant niece. Father is pitted against son and niece against aunt, as old prejudices are questioned and new ideals sought.
First performed in 1973, this political comedy still resonates strongly in a Scotland where sectarian chants are heard on football terraces and nail bombs are being sent through the post.
Michael Emans and Lyn McAndrew, the critically acclaimed team behind Gagarin Way and a top-notch cast of Scottish performers, will deliver a mix of hard edged Glasgow humour and thought-provoking drama to guarantee a great night out.
The Cast
Leading the cast will be acclaimed Scottish actor Stewart Porter,
Stewart is one of Scotland’s best actors with leading roles at the Citizens, Tron and the legendary Play Pie and Pint at the Oran Mor complementing his extensive film and television work. Stewart also appeared before with Rapture in 2008 in Arthur Miller’s “Broken Glass” and in 2006 in Mike Cullen’s “The Collection”.
Jane McCarry star of hit comedy “Still Game” and recent national tours of The Steamie and The Guid Sisters and rising stars Ashley Smith (NTS and Dundee Rep) , Michele Gallagher ( last seen playing Gail Sheridan in “I Tommy”) and Colin Little (Singin’ I'm No a Billy He’s‘ a Tim) complete a powerhouse cast .
Hector MacMillan, told us “ I am delighted that Rapture are reviving “The Sash”. It is twenty years since the last production and forty years since the first and the themes of the play are as relevant as ever. When Michael Emans contacted me about the play, I knew, from the way he spoke that he would treat the play with integrity and I am looking forward to seeing the final production.”
The Director
Director Michael Emans says “ Dealing with sectarianism was part of my daily life growing up in the west of Scotland. When I first saw “The Sash”, many years ago it had an instrumental effect on igniting my passion for theatre. I have felt this burning desire for a while to “re-discover” this play and put it back on the map as a piece of serious political theatre.”
Education Activities for Schools/Groups
Drama based workshops based around both the themes and ideas in the play and on general theatre and stagecraft are also available.
The tour of The Sash is supported by education activities for schools and groups provided in conjunction with The Scottish Government, Sense over Sectarianism, Robertson Trust
Touring Scotland 24th April – 1st June 2013
"For theatre to be truly artistic it must connect with the audience. The measure of great theatre is its ability to move and inspire. Theatre should be accessible to all.--"THE SASH" by HECTOR MACMILLAN
"A fine revival" -- The Times
"Stewart Porter is outstanding"-- The Stage
"Performance of the Week" -- The Scotsman
"Everything I could have wished for" -- The Author Hector MacMillan
