Reflections on Fair City’s finest writer

Jun 26 2009 by Our Correspondent, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

Reflections on Fair City’s finest writer

A NEW play celebrating the life and work of literary giant William Soutar is set to be given its world premiere in Perth.

The life and work of the Fair City poet is the subject of The Keekin-Gless, a work commissioned by the Friends of William Soutar Society, which will be performed by members of Perth Youth Theatre Senior Company as part of the company’s month-long festival.

Written by Soutar writer-in-residence Ajay Close in collaboration with PYT, the piece tells the story of one of Scotland’s finest 20th Century poets, who was born in 1898, and died in 1943.

Much of Soutar’s poetry stemmed from his vivid imaginings while bedridden for 13 years as the result of a debilitating illness, and the play intersperses straight biography with fantastical and surreal scenes.

His Calvinist upbringing in Perth and the surrounding countryside is depicted, as are his university years during ‘the jazz age’.

Other aspects of the play focus on his courtship of his cousin Mollie, who was snatched from under his nose by his best friend, and the cruel illness that cut short his youth but made it possible to hone his talent as a poet.

At the heart of the play is Soutar’s relationship with Evelyn, a distant cousin 23 years his junior who became not just an adoptive sister but also a muse.

The play is directed by freelance director, performer and workshop director Neil Doherty. Working for the first time with Perth Youth Theatre, he has previously directed for the Arches and Traverse Theatre and Borderline Theatre Company.

Ajay, who has held the William Soutar fellowship in Perth since 2005, said: “Working with Neil, Alison Muir, assistant director, Jennie McGregor, associate director Perth Youth Theatre, and the cast has been a fantastic experience.

“I’ve really been blown away by the young people's talent and enthusiasm. Writing a scene and then seeing it brought to life by the cast has to be the most addictive thrill ever. I've been moved to tears by the way they play the tragic scenes – and doubled-up with laughter the next minute, at the comic scenes.”

Perth Youth Theatre Festival runs until July 4 with Perth Youth Theatre productions and workshops in the theatre and concludes with a 10 Day Play summer performance project open to all theatre-loving 12–16 year olds.

The Keekin-Gless runs at Perth Theatre on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4.

Tickets are available by calling 01738 621031, or at www.horsecross.co.uk