Story of Highland writer behind ‘greatest literary hoax of all time’ to be staged in Inverness
It has been described as the ‘greatest literary hoax of all time’.
When 18th century Highland writer James Macpherson uncovered and published epic stories by a third century Scottish warrior bard called Ossian, it was to worldwide acclaim - until they were declared a sham.
Was it all a deception?
That question is considered in a new touring show, Through The Shortbread Tin, which will visit Eden Court Theatre in Inverness on May 1 and 2.
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The play is performed in Scots with Gaelic songs and explores Scottish culture, myths, history and identity.
Presented by the National Theatre of Scotland, it has been written by award-winning Scottish poet and writer Martin O'Connor who also takes a leading role in the production.
He will be joined on stage by Josie Duncan, Claire Frances MacNeil and Màiri Morrison, three distinctive Gaelic choral singers, singing original songs composed by Oliver Searle.
It is directed by Lu Kemp.
After James Macpherson published the Ossian works in the 1760s, the impact was immediate and permanent, seeing a rise in interest in Scottish and Highland ways of life and an increase in tourism and cultural interest.
In revisiting the story, Martin O’Connor questions his own relationship with Scottish culture.
“I have been fascinated with the history of Ossian and Macpherson since I started learning Gaelic and since I have rediscovered my Scots voice, and it gave me a jumping off point to explore all things linguistic, cultural and historical about Scotland, and my own upbringing,” he said.
“It seems that not many people know about Ossian and Macpherson, the hoax that he created, and the impact that it had on him and wider Scottish culture, so I am very excited to be staging this work and telling this tale at a time when we are still asking big questions about our country and identity.”
It will also be performed at Dornie Community Hall on Friday April 18.
