Two young Moorish women find themselves unexpectedly becoming 'guests' of the court of King James. They hadn't been coming to Scotland, but piracy is commonplace in the early 16th century, and Scotland is where they will now live their lives. The Lady Anne (Laura Lovemore) is to be the queen's companion, her servant Ellen (Danielle Jam) is to become an entertainer. They are fortunate that there is already a black face in a prominent role at court, who can translate for them until they learn Scots, and makes them feel welcomed. Peter (Thierry Mabonga) is one of the King's closest advisers, and ensures the women have the protection of James (Daniel Cahill). Both Anne and Ellen become influential figures in their own right, but are also acutely aware of how vulnerable their position in this society really is, their combination of gender and skin colour making them easy meat to fall upon when the wind changes.
Through their interactions with others we see plots and policies of the time, and how personal relationships are governed by realpolitik - James is married to Margaret Tudor (Sarita Gabony), and any heir she produces could potentially become monarch of both Scotland and England (as a later descendant does, a century on). The loneliness of kingship, the constant undercurrent of racism, the precarious nature of living in a court where whims can change, all show up in a maelstrom of a plot that moves along at a barnstorming pace and leaves the audience wondering how an hor has passed by already.
It's exciting, with some brilliantly choreographed fight sequences. It's hilarious funny at times, with the best lines going to the obsequious Makar, Dunbar (Keith Fleming), and Dame Phemy (Blythe Duff), with Duff clearly relishing the chance to explout arch-bitch mode. Her comic timing is impeccable.
Ellen begins and closes the play with a monologue, tying in he reality of our time with that of the characters. Plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose. But in the closing minutes of the drama there is one line resonates above all others. "Scotland - remember who you are."
Superb theatre, an entertainment as well as a serious drama, and a great achievement.
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