A play in Gaelic that portrays the grief and guilt of an island headmaster who encouraged pupils to fight in the First World War, will tour across Scotland for the first time next month.
Sequamur (Latin for 'let us follow'), was created by writer Donald S. Murray from Lewis. It tells the story of William J. Gibson, the headmaster of the island's senior secondary school, the Nicolson Institute in Stornoway, between 1894 and 1925.
He was seen as an enlightened and charismatic teacher, who believed in the power of education to deliver progress. He genuinely held that service in WWI would bring a new enlightened age to Britain, but endured personal turmoil following the death of 148 of his own pupils.
Donald S Murray said: "William Gibson genuinely believed that war service would be a positive for both the individual and would aid advancements in society more generally, but we witness how unprepared the novice British army recruits were for the horrors of industrialised warfare. Gibson's pupils write back to tell him about the reality of what they were experiencing so that he would understand, and we see the devastating effect it had on Gibson himself as he was consumed with guilt."
The 60 minute play is performed in Gaelic but is designed to be fully assessable to all, with live simultaneous translation via headphones for people who do not speak Gaelic. Afternoon workshops and performances suitable for schools in each region will also be provided.
Muriel Ann Macleod, producer of Sequamur, said:
"The writer, Donald S. Murray, has created an exceptional script that explores not just the events involving William Gibson, his pupils and World War I, but themes surrounding charismatic leaders who lead young people to war both then and in the present day."
Sequamur will be performed at six locations: Glasgow, Edinburgh, Oban, Fort George Chapel near Inverness, Skye and Aberdeen - with fourteen performances planned. The play is being staged by Pròiseact nan Ealan (PNE) | The Gaelic Arts Agency, with significant support from Creative Scotland. Other funders include Bòrd na Gà idhlig, the Scottish Government, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Highland Council.
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