This publication compiles actor John Cairney's theatrical interpretations of the poet Robert Burns and his life. Since 1959, he has been involved with Burns as actor, director and writer. Over the years, Cairney has taken the opportunity to investigate different aspects of Burns as they relate to performance in the theatre. For the first time he has brought all these working playscripts, which have already been tested before a live audience, together in book form. Others interested in the prismatic attraction that is Scotland's Bard can now see how one Scottish actor-writer has dealt with a national icon theatrically. The scripts, written by Cairney, look at Burns' creative work, his everyday life, and his relationships, to build a full picture of the man so important to Scotland's cultural heritage. The plays are followed by an appendix which features a selection of plays written about Burns' life since his death at the age of 37.

About the Author
In his acting career, John Cairney was described as a living embodiment of Robert Burns. He is perhaps best known for writing and starring in the Scottish Television adaptation Burns. Since then, he has written and performed Burns in all media and at festivals around the world. Over the last thirty years his knowledge and understanding of Scotland's famous poet has grown. He now lives on the south side of Glasgow with his wife, actress/scriptwriter Alannah O'Sullivan.

Reviews

PRAISE FOR JOHN CAIRNEY AS ROBERT BURNS

Cairney's performance is much more than a tour de force...a posture of virility under sentence of death. You can believe in such a man. THE TIMES

With no apparent effort and endless resource, a fine performance. THE GUARDIAN

John Cairney's performance of Robert Burns is a masterly rendering of marvellous material. NEW STATESMAN

Book Information
ISBN 9781906817725
Author John Cairney
Format Paperback
Page Count 264
Imprint Luath Press Ltd
Publisher Luath Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 399g
Dimensions(mm) 234mm * 156mm * 20mm