The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
The Pitiless Storm
MacRobert Centre, September 4 Perth Theatre, September 12
ACTOR AND director David Hayman is on a mission to change minds. His new show, The Pitiless Storm, sets out to convince more people to vote for independence in next month’s referendum.
The one-man show comes to Stirling’s MacRobert Centre and Perth Concert Hall following a hugely successful season at the Edinburgh Fringe.
Written by David’s friend, Chris Dolan, and produced by Fair Pley, it deals with the crisis of conscience in respected trade union official Bob Cunningham on the eve of the referendum, facing a conflict between his lifelong loyalty to the labour and trade union movement and the situation he finds in his homeland.
“It’s about the journey of a left wing trade unionist Labour supporter who goes from ‘no’ to ‘yes’ and the crisis of conscience that he goes through on the way to changing his mind,” says David.
“It’s very moving, very touching. It’s a piece of theatre which has relevancy over the next few weeks. I wanted to make a creative contribution to the debate; I’m not a politician so this is my contribution.
“I’m doing it to change minds and entertain on the way – to get the nos to don’t knows and the don’t knows to yeses.”
The character David plays is based on a typical West of Scotland working class man.
“It’s everybody’s story, and for anyone who shares that background, it’s a really common one. There are aspects of my father in him, aspects of Chris, aspects of me.”
A question and answer session at the end of the show encourages audience members to get involved.
Thus far, contributors have behaved themselves, although debate has become heated.
“The piece is democratic and should be so,” says David. “I like to give the audience the chance to give their views on the piece, the performance and the play.
“They’ve all been very dignified, very warm-hearted and supportive so far.
“There have been one or two bun fights but that’s to be expected. I look forward to the discussions generated.”
If David, a committed “yes” voter, has learned anything while performing his show, it’s that there are far more “yes” voters than he realised.
“I’m convinced we’re going to do it – it’s going to be a Yes victory. We’re getting round as much of Scotland as possible before September 18 and want to speak to undecided voters in Stirling and Central Scotland.”
It’s not purely politics though.
“It’s very humanist; there’s the voice of his wife, mother, father, his younger self, his relationships.
“The play deals with a very real dilemma faced by many on the left as September approaches.
“Do we stick with the ideals we have grown up with, or face the reality of the issues facing Scotland today?
“It’s a lovely rich theatrical experience.”