Cianalas uses traditional live music and Gaelic language to tell the story of a community’s resistance to mass evictions during the 19th century Highland Clearances. The title itself translates from Gaelic to ‘a deep-seated sense of belonging to the place where your roots lie’, and this theme of belonging is explored through the piece. The play takes place over a period of two years, introducing its audience to a Highland community and then watching that community break apart as the laird demands his land back from the people.
At the heart of the piece is a developing love story between Ùna, played by writer Niamh O’Donnell, and Lachlann (Peter Jeffries), but there are a number of other side plots. Seònaid (Katie Rough), just wants to be seen as an adult, while elderly Magaidh (Elizabeth McNally) is slowly losing her memory. There is also a parallel plot involving two lowland soldiers George (Ned Cooper) and Walter (Joshua Urquhart), which adds drama and twists to the unfolding story.
The play is at its best in its depictions of cosy Highland life, with Katie Rough as Seònaid and Clara Doherty as Ciorstaidh in particular excelling in these scenes. As the audience builds a connection with the characters, it makes the slow-building menace and the disaster which we know is to come all the more heartbreaking. However, the play would benefit from some tightening of the narrative, as well as less reliance on exposition in the early scenes.
While limited by its location and short run, the staging also does not always show Cianalas to its full potential. The use of cut flowers hanging from the ceiling and scattered through the walkways is a nice touch, as is the decision to have actors enter from all sides at various points in the evening. But the set pieces of a table set for tea and two stools are not often adapted to show a change in location, which particularly with quick scene changes can mean that the piece feels a little muddled.
The live band, playing traditional music composed and arranged by musical director Imi Waters, is a highlight of the piece, helping to highlight the feelings of belonging which are at the heart of the story and to create atmosphere. Lighting design byEloise Rowlinson is also particularly effective in the burning scenes.
A touching look into an important and little-explored piece of Scottish history, Cianalas has some winning elements which, with a little development, could truly shine.
Cianalas was reviewed at the King’s Head Theatre on 30th July. For more information on RamPage Theatre Company and the future of the piece, follow the link here.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3*)
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review
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