What dramatic techniques does McGrath employ to communicate his political messages
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John McGrath set up the Scottish 7:84 theatre company as a collective determined to promote Marxist analysis of local history through sub-regional tours of shows which celebrate Celtic resistance to centuries of repression and exploitation. 'The Cheviot' aimed to illuminate the situation, and to recommend radical action for the future. McGrath intended it to be politically efficacious in its impact on the region- the Highlands- and through that, on a nation. In addition, its purpose is to mobilise 300 years of Scottish history in order to achieve that efficacy for working-class audiences in the villages of the region. To achieve these goals, McGrath employs political devices through which he can express social and political messages, some of which strongly relate to Documentary theatre, Epic theatre and the Agitation propaganda technique.
The opening of the play immediately shows hints of Epic Theatre techniques employed by Bertolt Brecht in plays such as 'Mother Courage' Props and Costumes are visible signifying that they are emblematic props, emphasising that there is no sense of illusion being created for the audience. This is evident through the pop up book of the various images such as a "mountain" which is almost emblematic. The audience perceive the creation of this as noticeably an imitation, reinforcing the concept of no illusion created and emphasising an element of truth.
Although McGrath adopts elements of Epic theatre throughout his work, he contradicts the beliefs. He achieves this through the characterisation of the 'MC', whose purpose is to narrate through direct address, setting the scene, and settling the audience breaking down the barrier between audience and performance, the mere opposition of alienation...