Review: ‘The Desperate Battle of the Birds | Cath Gailbheach nan Eòin.’

Adept of the Highland Gaelic storytelling tradition, Scottish storyteller James MacDonald Reid combined his talents with those of Scottish-Korean Techno Cellist and trance producer, Ryan Williams, to tell the classic tale, ‘The Desperate Battle of the Birds | Cath Gailbheach nan Eòin.’

You might think this a bold undertaking, a remarkable meeting of talents to say the least. Yet when you understand both are expert musicians, it makes perfect sense. He might not have brought his pipes along with his highland regalia, but rhythm is rhythm whether played or spoken.

The story, first recorded by the storied John Francis Campbell from Inverary Fisherman, John Mackenzie in 1859, is quite the shaggy dog tale, with more unlooked-for turns of event than you can shake a stick at. The annual battle of mammals and birds is only the beginning of a young prince’s adventure by way of ensorceled ravens, inscrutable giants, and an enchanted romance.

“Yet when you understand both are expert musicians, it makes perfect sense.”

Told in chapters by Campbell, the interludes were filled with pulsing string arrangements from a truly enthusiastic Williams. Judging by the admiration in the eyes of both men, this was a production of the heart.

Now, John is a fine storyteller, and when he warmed to the task he found the wry highland humour of the story, as well as the music of the words. Should this promising show have further outings, it would, however, be good to see him delve deeper into the characters’ humanity. Daring do and the surprising talents of a giant’s daughter are only part of a story, heart and motivation bring it to completion.

Williams’ soulful, soaring contributions in between episodes spoke to a depth of emotion latent in the story, and ready for release. Both word and music spoke to adventure, but this emotional disconnect only emphasised a sense of ‘one speaks, then one plays, repeat.

Were there less talent on stage, the above notes would seem a little severe. However, such is the promise of ‘The Desperate Battle of the Birds | Cath Gailbheach nan Eòin’ that it deserves more outings and further improvement. It’s a show which would benefit greatly from a director or dramaturg to help craft something more integrated and symbiotic.

It would also be beneficial to leave the queuing of backing tracks and sequences to a tech off-stage where possible. All of the above would require a little more rehearsal and planning, but again, the component parts of this show, the performers, the tale and the music are of a quality which deserves it.

So let’s hope we get more chances to experience this superb duo conspire in a telling of ‘The Desperate Battle of the Birds | Cath Gailbheach nan Eòin.’ With the makings of such an immersive and innovative 75 minutes of storytelling, it would be a pity not to see it developed further.

Featured Image: Jess Lenon and Joly Riley