Michael, A Ballad Play in Scots by William Hershaw, is based on the character of Michael Scot of Balwearie, the 12th century philosopher, translator, polymath, alchemist and reputed wizard. Hershaw has combined the historical and folk myth aspects of the Michael Scot legend to create a gripping portrayal of a troubled soul who attempts to destroy the universe in order to prove the existence of God.
Written in lively and accessible Scots, the play takes Scottish drama to new places by placing a cast of devils and historical figures (including Robert Burns and Jimmy Shand) in the setting of tradition ballads and folklore. The result is a tragic but life-affirming tale brimful with dark humour, magic, horror and contemporary relevance.
Michael is a play that will be enjoyed by anyone who is interested in the dark side of the Scottish psyche or who loves contemporary drama, Scottish literature, language, folk music and traditional song. But the play's scope extends, like Michael Scot himself, well beyond national boundaries. This is a play which deals with free will, Science and Religion and ultimately, our place in the universe.
About the Author: William Hershaw is a poet, musician and songwriter. He is Principal Teacher of English at Beath High School, Cowdenbeath. His works in Scots and English include Fower Brigs Tae A Kinrik published by Aberdeen University Press and The Cowdenbeath Man published by the Scottish Cultural Press. He has also written two textbooks on the teaching of Scots Language in the Secondary school published by Learning Teaching Scotland. He wrote A Mass In Scots For Saint Andrae's Day.
In 2005 he won the Callum MacDonald Memorial Award and in 2011 he was awarded the McCash Prize for Scots Poetry by Glasgow University/The Herald. In 2007 he collaborated with sculptor David Annand, writing the poem God The Miner which is inscribed on the statue The Prop as part of the Lochgelly Regeneration Project.
Recently he has co-edited the Literary Magazine Fras and published HappyLand, a selection of new poems with an CD of readings and music. In November 2012 Cage Load Of Men - The Joe Corrie Project by The Bowhill Players was released. Funded by Fife Council, Willie Hershaw has written the musical settings for the poems of the legendary Fife poet and playwright. Tammy Norrie published by Gracenote Publications in 2014 is his first novel.
