Theatre

Margaret Macdonald

The script for a one woman show « ROSE AND THE RAVEN – the secret memoirs of Margaret Macdonald Mackintosh » has been devised by actress/dramatist Allannah O’Sullivan. and written to be played by Scottish actress Juliet Cadzow who it is hoped will be able to play the part in both French and English. If this proves too difficult we will cast a French actress for the French version

The script is now being translated. It is hoped that it will be performed in both languages in both the UK and France . Using a simple set, the performance is designed to include projection of visual images and sophicticated lighting changes.

The story follows Margaret’s journey from London to Port Vendres for the anniversary of Toshie’s death when she will follows his wishes and scatter his ashes in the harbour. It is a journey of a lifetime of memories. and each step she has taken seems to have moved her further away from being able to scatter his remains. It is only when she reaches Port Vendres itself that she finally sees a sign from Toshie which unexpectedly gives her strength and brings a final peace to both of them..

This is her story:

MARGARET MACDONALD is a ground-breaking, versatile, imaginative artist and wife to the iconic Scots architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh. She calls him Toshie.

MARGARET MACDONALD is years ahead of her time. She is an integral, if unheralded, part of theaesthetic movement that lead the UK and Europe out of Victoriana and into the clean, clear lines of twentieth century modernism. Together she and Toshie create interior masterpieces that still astound
the world.

MARGARET MACDONALD is notorious, along with her sister, Frances, Toshie and his best friend, Herbert McNair. In Glasgow, they are Known as ‘The Four’ and dubbed ‘The Spook School’ by critics of their symbolistic, allegorical art works. on the continent they are revered as visionaries.

MARGARET MACDONALD wants it all. Love, artistic fulfilment and children. Toshie is not an easyman to love, but she is not found wanting. Her artistic fulfilment is cut off in the prime of her life whenthe Glasgow style goes out of fashion. And she never conceives.

MARGARET MACDONALD outlives everyone who loves her and whom she loves. She loses her sister to a terrible end. Throughout their marriage, she loses Toshie to drink and depression but brings him back from the brink. when cancer claims him, she can do no more. Letting him go is one of the most difficult challenges she faces in her life.

We hope to premiere the English language version in the UK in late 2011 and to premiere the French version in Roussillon in Spring 2012