Bana-Ghaisgich

By Mairi Morrison

1918. Hogmanay.

Hundreds of servicemen are returning home from the South of England to the North-West of Scotland, the Isle of Lewis. The ‘Sheila’ mail-boat cannot cope with all the men arriving in Kyle of Lochalsh so HMY Iolaire is deployed to help 284 men make their final journey home.

Metres from land, their hearts rejoicing, HMY Iolaire veers off course and strikes the renowned rocks, Beasts of Holm, causing 201 men to drown on their own doorstep.

This new play explores grief, judgement and solidarity through the eyes of their women as their hardest challenge lies ahead.

This premiere of a site-specific, new Gaelic drama, with live music was produced as part of the Iolaire Centenary Commemorations.

“…so sharp that it cuts you…Don’t miss it.”
Torcul Crichton, Daily Record

Cast & Creative Team

Mairi Morrison – Peggy, Colleen, Elaine, Maggie and other characters
Mike Vass – Iain

Màiri MacLennan – Màiri
Georgie Finlayson – Gormal
Cathy Mary MacMillan – Seonag
Màiri MacIver – Anna
Donna Barden – Catriona

Writer – Mairi Morrison
Dramaturg – Douglas Maxwell
Director – Muireann Kelly
Music/Composition – Mike Vass
Costume Designer – Donna MacLeod
Lighting Designer – Benny Goodman

Technical Stage Manager – Morag Smith
Marketing design – Niall Walker
Marketing assistant – Alice Walker

Tour Dates

17/12/18 – Finorough Playhouse, London
27/12/18 – Studio Alba, Stornoway
28/12/18 – Studio Alba, Stornoway
29/12/18 – Studio Alba, Stornoway

Supported By

Bòrd na Gàidhlig and Creative Scotland
Script developed with support from Playwrights’ Studio Scotland