Review: Whaur’s Yer Wullie Shakespeare Noo? at Òran Mór

Brian Logan's production of "Whaur’s Yer Wullie Shakespeare Noo?" at Òran Mór in Glasgow revisits the 1756 performance of John Home's play "Douglas," a theatrical event that sparked a famous nationalist heckle. The heckle, "Whaur’s yer Wullie Shakespeare noo?", declared Home superior to William Shakespeare, England's most celebrated playwright. While posterity has favoured Shakespeare, the performance of "Douglas" and its reception serve as a symbolic flashpoint, representing the enduring national and religious schisms in Scotland. Logan's work positions this historical theatrical event as a lens through which to examine these ongoing societal divisions, suggesting the play's significance lay more in its political context than its artistic merit.

The production, which opened at Òran Mór, Glasgow, is scheduled to run until October 3, with a subsequent tour extending until October 17. The play "Douglas" itself, written by John Home, a minister of the Church of Scotland, premiered in Edinburgh in 1756. Its performance was met with fervent nationalistic sentiment, culminating in the now-legendary exclamation from an audience member. This moment highlights a period of intense cultural and political identity formation in Scotland, where national pride was often expressed through artistic and literary achievements, sometimes in direct comparison to English cultural icons like Shakespeare. The play's themes, as interpreted by Logan, resonate with contemporary discussions on nationalism and religion, underscoring theatre's capacity to engage with and reflect societal conflicts.

Brian Logan, known for his work as a writer, director, and Guardian comedy critic, brings a contemporary comedic approach to this historical narrative. His interpretation aims to make the historical event accessible and engaging for modern audiences, while still delving into the complex socio-political underpinnings of the 18th-century Scottish theatre scene. The review suggests that Logan's production is a "shouty comedy" that effectively uses the story of "Douglas" to explore the power of theatre in shaping national identity and navigating religious divides. The performance's engagement with these themes positions it as more than just a historical reenactment, but as a commentary on the persistent influence of past cultural moments on present-day discourse.

The historical context of "Douglas" is crucial to understanding the significance of the "Whaur’s yer Wullie Shakespeare noo?" moment. John Home was a prominent figure in the Scottish Enlightenment, and his play was intended to be a significant contribution to Scottish literature. However, its reception was deeply intertwined with the political climate of the time, particularly the Jacobite risings and the ongoing debate about Scotland's relationship with England. The comparison to Shakespeare, a universally recognized literary giant, was a bold statement of national artistic ambition. Logan's current production at Òran Mór, a venue known for hosting innovative and thought-provoking theatre, seeks to revive this historical narrative and explore its continued relevance in a modern Scottish context. The tour extending to October 17 indicates a broader reach for this exploration of Scottish cultural history and identity.