In an era where “progress” often comes at the expense of community and nature, this production asks a hauntingly urgent question: Who are the truly mad ones? Is it those who retreat into or fight for the wild out of a radical love for the world, or those who ruthlessly fell forests and sever human connections in the name of modernisation? So writes Alena Schmakova for theQR.co.uk…
The performance explores masculinity, madness, transformation, and belonging through the mirrored journeys of two men anchored to place: Mad Sweeney, the pagan king cursed to roam the woods as a bird in quiet solitude, and Colin Macleod, a ‘birdman’, who spearheaded the iconic Pollok Free State environmental resistance movement in the 1990s.
From the very beginning, the story captures your imagination. It seamlessly weaves ancient Celtic myth, deeply personal recollections, sharp stand-up comedy, and active audience participation into a single, cohesive narrative arc. The journey feels wonderfully organic; you hardly realise how you’ve travelled from a tender childhood memory into the Sweeney myth, passing through modern practices like Tai Chi, before ultimately landing around the campfire of the Pollok protest camp.
Minimalist Staging and a Commanding Presence
The staging is minimalist yet masterfully atmospheric. Simple, traditional instruments—a Bodhrán-style drum echoing old Celtic legends and a hand organ—are paired with touches of Robert Burns and movie recollections.
“From the very beginning, the story captures your imagination. It seamlessly weaves ancient Celtic myth, deeply personal recollections, sharp stand-up comedy, and active audience participation into a single, cohesive narrative arc.“
A stroke of genius occurs with the opening of the rear theatre curtain to reveal the lit garden outside. In an instant, the real forest and nature are invited directly into the auditorium, perfectly grounding the production’s core theme.
Congratulations to David Hughes, whose commanding stage presence keeps the audience completely spellbound throughout; your mind never wanders for a second. He tackles heavyweight topics with vulnerability and grace, bringing a nuanced male perspective to the stage while remaining entirely authentic to himself.
Deeply engaging, imaginative, and profoundly moving, this is storytelling at its absolute finest.
Editor’s Note: You have two more chances to catch Warrior/Poet – 20 November 14.30 @galgael in Glasgow and 24 November 18.30 @elphinstone_institute in Aberdeen.
Featured Image: David Hughes – Warrior/Poet – MG
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