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The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil
Written during the 1970s, John McGrath’s winding, furious, innovative play tracks the economic history and exploitation of the Scottish Highlands from the post-Rebellion suppression of the clans to the story of the Clearances: in the nineteenth century, aristocratic landowners discovered the profitability of sheep farming, and forced a mass emigration of rural Highlanders, burning their houses in order to make way for the Cheviot sheep. The play follows the thread of capitalist and repressive exploitation through the estates of the stag-hunting landed gentry, to the 1970s rush for profit in the name of North Sea Oil.
Described by the playwright as having a “ceilidh” format, The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil draws on historical research alongside Gaelic song and the Scots’ love of variety and popular entertainment to tell this epic story.
A totally distinctive cultural and theatrical phenomenon, the play championed several new approaches to theatre, raising its profile as a means of political intervention; proposing a collective, democratic, collaborative approach to creating theatre; offering a language of performance accessible to working-class people; producing theatre in non-purpose-built theatre spaces; breaking down the barrier between audience and performers through interaction; and taking theatre to people who otherwise would not access it.
The play received its premiere in 1973 by the agit-prop theatre group 7:84, of which John McGrath was founder and Artistic Director, and toured Scotland to great critical and audience acclaim.
Described by the playwright as having a “ceilidh” format, The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil draws on historical research alongside Gaelic song and the Scots’ love of variety and popular entertainment to tell this epic story.
A totally distinctive cultural and theatrical phenomenon, the play championed several new approaches to theatre, raising its profile as a means of political intervention; proposing a collective, democratic, collaborative approach to creating theatre; offering a language of performance accessible to working-class people; producing theatre in non-purpose-built theatre spaces; breaking down the barrier between audience and performers through interaction; and taking theatre to people who otherwise would not access it.
The play received its premiere in 1973 by the agit-prop theatre group 7:84, of which John McGrath was founder and Artistic Director, and toured Scotland to great critical and audience acclaim.
216 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1974
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192 people want to read
About the author
John McGrath
18 books1 followerJohn Peter McGrath was an English playwright and theatre theorist who took up the cause of Scottish agency in his plays. From an Irish Catholic background, McGrath was educated in Mold and, after his National Service, at St John's College, Oxford. During the early 1960s he worked for the BBC, and wrote and directed many of the early episodes of the Corporation's police series Z-Cars which began in 1962.
He is remembered as a playwright and for his theoretical formulation of the principles of a radical, popular theatre. The 7:84 Theatre Company was established in 1971 by McGrath, his wife, Elizabeth MacLennan, and her brother, David MacLennan, and The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil (1973), his best-known play, was created with these principles in mind. It utilizes some of the dramaturgical and theatrical techniques of epic theatre – actors take on multiple roles and frequently slip out of character – of the type associated with the German dramatist Bertolt Brecht, but which McGrath argued have a genealogy that stretches far further back through the history of popular traditions of performance. The title of the play refers to three pivotal periods in the history of class struggle in Scotland: the clearing of the Scottish highlands to make way for grazing land, the subsequent use of this land by the wealthy for shooting, and its current exploitation in the oil market. These changes are identified as forming a recurrent pattern of abuse of the land and the exploitation of the people by outsiders and by wealthier locals. It was broadcast in the BBC's Play for Today series in 1974.
McGrath adapted the satirical morality play A Satire of the Three Estates (1540) by David Lyndsay as a contemporary morality A Satire of the Four Estaites, which was presented by Wildcat Theatre Company at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre as part of the Edinburgh International Festival in 1996.
He is remembered as a playwright and for his theoretical formulation of the principles of a radical, popular theatre. The 7:84 Theatre Company was established in 1971 by McGrath, his wife, Elizabeth MacLennan, and her brother, David MacLennan, and The Cheviot, the Stag and the Black, Black Oil (1973), his best-known play, was created with these principles in mind. It utilizes some of the dramaturgical and theatrical techniques of epic theatre – actors take on multiple roles and frequently slip out of character – of the type associated with the German dramatist Bertolt Brecht, but which McGrath argued have a genealogy that stretches far further back through the history of popular traditions of performance. The title of the play refers to three pivotal periods in the history of class struggle in Scotland: the clearing of the Scottish highlands to make way for grazing land, the subsequent use of this land by the wealthy for shooting, and its current exploitation in the oil market. These changes are identified as forming a recurrent pattern of abuse of the land and the exploitation of the people by outsiders and by wealthier locals. It was broadcast in the BBC's Play for Today series in 1974.
McGrath adapted the satirical morality play A Satire of the Three Estates (1540) by David Lyndsay as a contemporary morality A Satire of the Four Estaites, which was presented by Wildcat Theatre Company at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre as part of the Edinburgh International Festival in 1996.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
November 16, 2016
Awful doesn't begin to describe it. Overly political and super dated. It hits you over the head with a political message that makes you think: duh!
October 27, 2024
That’s right, I read a play! Was it assigned to me? Yes, and so what. I read a play about Scottish Highlanders unjustly being evicted from their land by foreign capitalists. I’m reading another book (yes, also assigned to me, and yes also by the same person) that paints Scotland as pretty communist right now. I actually didn’t know that of contemporary Scotland. Maybe it’s true and maybe it’s not. Maybe it’s connected (it probably is) or maybe not (to the neoimperialism thing). It's this kind of patriotic, politically satiric art that you typically associate with the far left, actually. Interesting stuff. Can’t believe I actually read a play! I watched some clips of its enactment and it's good but I think a bit cheesy. Feat. Texas Jim
September 24, 2023
this was,,,, something
vague highland pantomime of horrors and dropping a few slurs when he feels like it
vague highland pantomime of horrors and dropping a few slurs when he feels like it
January 3, 2021
I just finished reading this book for my Scottish Literature and History class at university and I usually either absolutely hate the books we have to read because they don't interest me whatsoever, or I find them good and enjoyable and this was one of those. I was expecting to not like this book, firstly because I studied Theatre/Drama for 9 years all through my secondary education years and although I absolutely adored every moment of it, I must admit that sometimes the books were very boring, for that reason I was a bit iffy about reading drama/theatre. Secondly, I didn't really know what the book was about and the blurb didnt really help me, so I thought it was going to be very drawn out and excessive and boring.
However, I read this book in nearly one sitting and I really enjoyed this, primarily because in between the "playing" of the play, some of the actors would remind us of the historical context, they read out accounts of Clearances in the Highlands, they added cultural information, songs, music, photos, and I just found it all very informative but also enjoyable. I knew that Scotland had had a hard time with English after the Union in 1707 and that a lot of people had been displaced but I don't think I ever realised why, how and what the outcome of all those disruptions were.
I have to say that if you want to learn more about Scotland and the Clearances that this is a really interesting book and I suppose you would also I enjoy it if you like historical stuff.
However, I read this book in nearly one sitting and I really enjoyed this, primarily because in between the "playing" of the play, some of the actors would remind us of the historical context, they read out accounts of Clearances in the Highlands, they added cultural information, songs, music, photos, and I just found it all very informative but also enjoyable. I knew that Scotland had had a hard time with English after the Union in 1707 and that a lot of people had been displaced but I don't think I ever realised why, how and what the outcome of all those disruptions were.
I have to say that if you want to learn more about Scotland and the Clearances that this is a really interesting book and I suppose you would also I enjoy it if you like historical stuff.
June 12, 2017
A wonderful, enlightening and patriotic play which opened my eyes to the exploitation and disregard faced by the people of the Highlands and Islands to this day.
April 11, 2023
still better than coetzee
February 25, 2025
i really really liked this and i was not expecting it! reading about the unique format of the play and its historical context was fascinating. it feels like a really important piece of scottish history. 4/5
August 3, 2020
The most important distinction in this narrative is form. This play tells a story about the Scottish highlands and some of the oppressive systems that have taken over the area. The narrative includes a mixture of voices and techniques to produce a play that addresses gender, power, politics, capitalism, colonialism, humanity, etc. This is a must read!
June 12, 2016
Excellent Excellent Excellent.
What more can I say about this legendary play. A perfect, engaging, entertaining satire on foregin exploitation of the Scottish people and resources. Should be a compulsory read for all students interesting in economics, politics and history.
What more can I say about this legendary play. A perfect, engaging, entertaining satire on foregin exploitation of the Scottish people and resources. Should be a compulsory read for all students interesting in economics, politics and history.
September 22, 2023
3.5 Stars!
“But although we think you’re quaint, Don’t forget to pay your rent, And if you should want your land, We’ll cut off your grasping hand.”
This is a fiercely angry and political play which remains just as relevant fifty years on from its initial performance. McGrath’s thoroughly researched and tightly scripted work still seethes with venom and bitterness, hitting its mark with well-aimed precision.
From the horror of the Highland Clearances in the 1800s at the hands of various landlords to the 1960s and 70s when corporate America swooped in and in cahoots with the British elite carved up the oil reserves in the North Sea, depriving Scotland of the real fruits of its own resources, McGrath shows that the more things change the more they stay the same, and so it remains to this day, which is why this still resonates half a century on.
“But although we think you’re quaint, Don’t forget to pay your rent, And if you should want your land, We’ll cut off your grasping hand.”
This is a fiercely angry and political play which remains just as relevant fifty years on from its initial performance. McGrath’s thoroughly researched and tightly scripted work still seethes with venom and bitterness, hitting its mark with well-aimed precision.
From the horror of the Highland Clearances in the 1800s at the hands of various landlords to the 1960s and 70s when corporate America swooped in and in cahoots with the British elite carved up the oil reserves in the North Sea, depriving Scotland of the real fruits of its own resources, McGrath shows that the more things change the more they stay the same, and so it remains to this day, which is why this still resonates half a century on.
April 21, 2023
I wish I had seen this on stage. The introduction hints at the force this play exhibits...but on stage. Reading it is a bit...tedious. Nevertheless, it's a great play about Scotland and how Scotland changes. Loved the inclusion of Scottish Gaelic. Highly political and still up to date...but please let me see this on stage. 3.5 stars
September 24, 2021
A great play, and when you see it performed the expansive story of Scotland comes alive with electricity.
I feel very lucky to have seen this when they swung by Glasgow in 2016. It was a jolt awake and won't lose its relevance as the years advance. A play that has the power to change politics and give voice to quiet and sneaky malignant international affairs, just excellent all round and a game changer during the time of conception and now in 2021.
I feel very lucky to have seen this when they swung by Glasgow in 2016. It was a jolt awake and won't lose its relevance as the years advance. A play that has the power to change politics and give voice to quiet and sneaky malignant international affairs, just excellent all round and a game changer during the time of conception and now in 2021.
April 4, 2022
I read this play while at University, I did my dissertation on Scottish Theatre. This play is a legendary piece of Scottish theatre and is still performed 50+ years from when it was first released.
It tells the story of how the Scotland and its people have been exploited for centuries. The play revolutionised theatre when it was released with its shocking exposure of how Scotland has been stripped of its assets and addressed issues of class, gender and nationalism.
It tells the story of how the Scotland and its people have been exploited for centuries. The play revolutionised theatre when it was released with its shocking exposure of how Scotland has been stripped of its assets and addressed issues of class, gender and nationalism.
June 10, 2022
Didn't expect this to be a musical
January 29, 2023
I started reading The Cheviot, The Stag, and the Black, Black Oil knowing very little about it (in fact, I was just researching Scottish plays for my dissertation, being this one apparently a canonical text) and... I loved it. This very short socialist play comprises a journey through the history of the Scottish Highlands and its people from the time of the Clearances to the discovery of oil in its coasts. Are you interested in Scotland and/or the relationship between people and their environment/landscape? Are you interested in languages and/or the shaping of communities through economic powers? Then check this out, as well as its author and the theatre company that staged it (7:84)!
April 24, 2024
I thought this one was quite interesting... I learned a lot about the three big things that have been used in the forced migration of Scottish families from their homelands (Cheviot Sheep, Stag Hunting, and the Oil Industry). It was a very quick and entertaining read. ALSO, this was TOO real. There are sheep EVERYWHERE here.
Edit 4/24:
I just reread this for my final essay... Now it is time to actually figure out what I want to say LOL
Edit 4/24:
I just reread this for my final essay... Now it is time to actually figure out what I want to say LOL
February 13, 2014
AMAZING, very clever :)
December 29, 2017
Read this for my study in class and also saw this in theatre. Absolutely loved it. And I got an A in English ;)
September 23, 2022
Brilliant
April 3, 2021
x Brechtian theatre with a length and pace perfectly suited; this is an enthralling tour-de-criticism of capitalism, expansionism, imperialism, colonisation through an often underrepresented Scottish lens.
x It must have been a propellant for many things when it was first performed - for the possibilities of theatre as well as its nationalist ideas around language and economics. And yet it holds up extremely well; so many questions are still pertinent.
+ Overtly, unashamedly political - the subterranean narrative created by the cardboard cutout characters verges into the homiletic at numerous points, but especially towards the end (Lord Polwarth as the puppet with his handlers, Texas Jim and Whitehall, screaming at the audience). It can obfuscate - especially if the play is performed well - that there is no interrogation of the pastoral ideal which is spawning the author's passion and questions.
x It must have been a propellant for many things when it was first performed - for the possibilities of theatre as well as its nationalist ideas around language and economics. And yet it holds up extremely well; so many questions are still pertinent.
+ Overtly, unashamedly political - the subterranean narrative created by the cardboard cutout characters verges into the homiletic at numerous points, but especially towards the end (Lord Polwarth as the puppet with his handlers, Texas Jim and Whitehall, screaming at the audience). It can obfuscate - especially if the play is performed well - that there is no interrogation of the pastoral ideal which is spawning the author's passion and questions.
April 17, 2023
One of the best plays I've ever read. Full of irony, humour and a sharp denounce of capitalism, it tells the story of the people of the Highlands to the people of the Highlands in the form of a traditional ceilidh drawing attention to the exploitation of the land and its people. "Yes, the tragedy of the Highlands has become a saleable commodity". We need to keep fighting united for the alternative to happen!
January 27, 2020
Sometimes a bit too overly direct and excessive, this play was a wonder to read and listen to. Love the incorporation of Scottish folk music, the different rhetorical devices of audience engagement, puppetry, etc. Although the message was too obvious and the play often settled on a documentary narrative, the message was still strong and powerful.
February 15, 2020
Going into this book I was scared purely for the fact that I don't know much about politics or Scottish history. Thankfully that was not a problem as the book is informative and makes sure to explain what was happening.
Definitely meant to be seen rather than read, but I still appreciated it.
writersinsomnia.blogspot.com
Definitely meant to be seen rather than read, but I still appreciated it.
writersinsomnia.blogspot.com
December 15, 2024
interesting…
anyway i can bring in invoking of the body politic makes me happy, so that was heavily analysed through my interpretation of this. also made links to the handmaid’s tale. called out a lot of racial ignorance and stereotypes here. obvious critique of police brutality. not the best play ever but will be an interesting discussion in seminar.
anyway i can bring in invoking of the body politic makes me happy, so that was heavily analysed through my interpretation of this. also made links to the handmaid’s tale. called out a lot of racial ignorance and stereotypes here. obvious critique of police brutality. not the best play ever but will be an interesting discussion in seminar.
April 4, 2021
Very original, with some touches of humor that makes it an easy reading. It is very eye-opener with issues of colonization, exploitation and nationality in Scotland. I wish I could see this live and listen to the songs!
February 27, 2023
I saw the play in Edinburgh long ago and was reminded of it by current events. It’s as moving still. (But now I can understand the Gaelic!)
This edition with notes adds an extra dimension, putting it in the context of Scottish literature and European theatre.
This edition with notes adds an extra dimension, putting it in the context of Scottish literature and European theatre.
July 29, 2017
Interesting and a text I'd actually like to work with in future, but the ending is too didactic.
January 19, 2018
I love reading plays, though all ought to be seen/heard. Some MUST be seen/heard and this one is clearly an audio-visual phenomenon.
December 15, 2019
Quick read & interesting perspective of industrialisation and commercialisation of the Highlands.
December 17, 2019
Ha.. so like my exam is tomorrow and I’ve only read this today... we’ll see how that works out for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews