National issues and their reflections in The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil

Abstract

Having left an immense impact on audiences of almost all ages and social backgrounds in Scotland, the Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil is a theatrical show which raises national issues like Scottish identity, sense of belonging, Gaelic culture with direct references to economic and cultural policies implemented by central government in Britain. On the one hand, the play mainly gives a universal message that the working-class should gather under the roof of socialism against capitalism which has led to the economic and cultural destruction; on the other hand, it celebrates revival of Scottish culture, which has undergone a large-scale erosion and degeneration by the dominant culture, namely the English. The national issues depicted in the play have led to a growing awareness about Scottishness among Scottish audiences who started questioning their political positions in the UK. The fact that the indigenous people have been invited to re-assess the past events and make direct links with the present events such as the discovery of North Sea Oil has triggered the Scottish communities to raise a louder voice against British policies on Scotland. The play has probably had a direct impact on cultural and political relations between Scotland and Britain, for the number of independence supporters has been on the rise since the 1970s. With the devolution in 1998, Scotland re-established its parliament, adjourned with the Act of Union in 1707. Such political gains and the UK’s withdrawal from the EU have enhanced Scottish people’s desire to officially separate from the UK through a new referendum, which they believe, will result in success. This paper puts forward that the play could be used as a means of propaganda to increase the number of ‘Yes’ votes in the referendum process.