The View From Castle Rock
A Scottish family’s journey in search of a better life in Canada by Alice Munro, adapted by Linda McLean
Nobel Laureate Alice Munro is the world’s greatest living short story writer.
As a centrepiece of the 2016 Book Festival, Stellar Quines and Edinburgh International Book Festival present the world premiere of a specially commissioned theatrical adaptation of two stories, taken from the author’s collection The View from Castle Rock.
These stories imagine the extraordinary experiences of her Scottish ancestors who sailed from Leith Docks in 1818 in the hope of a better life in Canada.
Acclaimed director Marilyn Imrie and award-winning Scottish playwright Linda McLean have created, in this word-for-word adaptation from Alice Munro’s text, a vibrant drama about the nineteenth century Scottish migrant experience.
The View from Castle Rock is supported by the Scottish Government’s Edinburgh Festivals Expo Fund and this event is also part of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Following daily performances during the Book Festival at artSpace@StMarks in Castle Terrace (Venue 125), The View from Castle Rock will tour to the Borders including the Ettrick Valley, home of Munro’s ancestors who were related to James Hogg.
image: Bettman/CORBIS
Gallery
Images © Alan McCredie
Reviews
“…the story is given weight, depth and a poignancy elevated both by Pippa Murphy’s score and sound design, which seems to echo down the centuries, and a closing coup de theatre which can’t fail to tug at the heart-strings.”
“With a talented cast and beautiful staging, The View from Castle Rock is a memorable piece with a story that is both touching and at times humorous.”
“Marilyn Imrie’s production is stark and elegant, employing simple-yet-effective techniques, including billowing sheets to represent waves and beautiful choral singing from the cast, accompanied by Brian James O’Sullivan, who plays various traditional instruments.”
“Filling the altar and the aisles of this old church with electric energy, the piece reveals the pressures on family of uprooting across the world, and the newly unleashed role of women in the New World.”
“Elegant use is made of music by Pippa Murphy, and not only are the sturdy wooden structures of Claire Halleran’s set used to evoke both the Castle Rock and shipboard life, sparing but effective use is made of the space in St Mark’s – itself, of course, in the shadow of the Rock.”
“The Laidlaws will stay in my memory for a long time. Stellar Quines give a truly stellar performance, and the audience gave them loud and prolonged applause. This is another sell-out show, so hurry and get a ticket if you possibly can.”
“a lovely piece of theatre that truly reflects both the word and the spirit of Munro’s original and is definitely worth a look.”
‘there’s also a chilling parallel with the millions of people still boarding, in Munro’s words, “leaky sepulchres” to escape poverty and war.’
“This powerful piece of theatre from a totally braw ensemble is a timeous and heart wrenching reminder of the perils of emigration.”
“A fine ensemble of five actors brings this story vividly alive in a quietly moving show rooted in real lives”
Blog
- August 25, 2016Alan Taylor previews The View from Castle Rock
- August 10, 2016The View from Castle Rock choir recordings
- August 3, 2016Rosa Duncan – notes from the rehearsal room – a time to focus!
- July 28, 2016Rosa Duncan – notes from the rehearsal room – end of week one!
- July 27, 2016Rosa Duncan – notes from the rehearsal room
- July 11, 2016Tickets released for sell out The View from Castle Rock shows
- May 25, 2016News travels of Alice Munro Book Festival co-production
- May 23, 2016Alice Munro co-production with Edinburgh International Book Festival announced
