A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays

Men Should Weep

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Episode notes

Episode Two of A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays focuses on Ena Lamont Stewart's 1947 play Men Should Weep.

What did theatre look like in the nineteenth century? What role did amateur activity play in Scottish drama in the early twentieth century? What did Glasgow Unity Theatre do? Who was Ena Lamont Stewart? How did she write a classic piece of social realism - and how was it forgotten about for over thirty years?

All this and more is explored by critic Joyce McMillan and experts Dr Linda Mackenney and Professor Trish Reid.

The clips in the episode are from the National Theatre of Scotland's 2011 production of Men Should Weep, which you can find out more about here.

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Written drama has existed in Scotland since the sixteenth century. This is its story.

A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays is a new podcast from journalist and critic Fergus Morgan, charting the story of Scottish drama from the sixteenth century to today.

Over six episodes - plus a panel discussion recording - the podcast travels from pre-Reformation Scotland to the present day, alighting on seminal plays along the way – including A Satire Of The Three Estates, Men Should Weep, Losing Venice, Passing Places, and Black Watch – and discussing their significance in the extraordinary, ongoing evolution of Scottish drama.

Featuring insights and memories from playwrights, performers, academics, critics and others, the podcast journeys from the turbulent court of King James V in the 1540s, to the bustling Traverse Theatre in the 1980s, to the uncertain industry of 2024.

A History Of Scottish Drama In Six Plays is written and produced by Fergus Morgan, with the support of the Scottish Society of Playwrights as part of their SSP@50 Fellowships, which are supported by Creative Scotland and Bespoken Media. It is made in association with the Traverse Theatre. Episodes 2, 3 and 6 are also supported by the National Theatre of Scotland.

For more information, follow the below links.

Fergus Morgan: fergusmorgan.com

Scottish Society of Playwrights: scottishsocietyofplaywrights.co.uk

Traverse Theatre: traverse.co.uk

Bespoken Media: bespoken.media

National Theatre of Scotland: nationaltheatrescotland.com