Grain in the Blood

by Rob Drummond

Twelve years ago, from the mouth of a great sacrifice, a child was born. And they called her Autumn. Isaac returns to his family home with a chance to atone for the terrible mistake that claimed his childhood. Autumn is a little girl whose time is running out. With three sleeps left before her birthday, she can only hope for a miracle, or an unexpected act of selflessness. Her grandmother, Sophia, brings them together in a desperate attempt to save her family, at any cost. Set against the eerie backdrop of an isolated rural community and steeped in the folklore of the harvest, Grain in the Blood is a noir-ish thriller exploring a timely moral how much are we prepared to sacrifice for the greater good? The play received its world premiere at the Tron Theatre, Glasgow, on 18 October 2016, before opening at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, on 1 November 2016.

Genres: Plays

92 pages, Paperback

Published October 18, 2016

Reviews

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yet another from my time in Higher Drama - but this time once again a proper read was in order and it did not disappoint even although I could have probably recited the script word for word due to my intense examination of it over the course of year for performance analysis in my Higher Drama finals.

Drama that presents itself in the form of it's five principal characters is heightened at several moments during the course of the script and is steeped in the past that slowly uncovers itself leading up to and hurtling towards a tragic conclusion that leaves the audience guessing.

Major theme that shows itself in many forms is the difference in life between the city and more rural areas, ominously named festivals, rituals, routines and practices.

By far the stand out character has to be Autumn, the only true pure character in this whole scenario balances well with other players - Isaac, Sophia, Violet & Burt.

Throughout the drama several hints are dropped about where the plot is going to go and the characters absolutely inform the drama - the complex relationship between Isaac & Violet threatens to explode at any given point.

Keep reading and watching til the end though as the final twist presents itself leaves readers and audiences alike stunned and begging for more answers...

[Victoria Claringbold · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in a remote cottage in Scotland - Isaac returns on furlough from prison to possibly help his family in their time of need. This play packs a heavy punch. There are several high stakes scenes - one between Isaac & his mother Sophia is particularly heart-breaking.

Folklore about sacrifice for the harvest is woven into the story and creates an eerie atmosphere. The dialogue is believable and there is light relief mainly in the form of young girl, Autumn (Isaac's daughter) who swears like a sailer.

[Leona · Rating 4 out of 5]

It a good play with lots of potential, however I think there could be more added to it. It felt a bit plain, but I guess that the purpose for Rob Drummond was to give the back bone of the play and for the designers to bring it to life on stage.

[Nicola Stephens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic thought provoking play script. Discuss with your friends!