Through The Shortbread Tin - Martin O'Connor

What makes a culture real: its history, its language, or the stories people choose to tell about themselves?

In Through the Shortbread Tin, writer and performer Martin O’Connor explores Scottish identity through the extraordinary story of James Macpherson, the 18th-Century writer whose supposed translations of the ancient bard Ossian became an international literary sensation—and one of history’s most famous literary controversies.

Moving between Macpherson’s Scotland and O’Connor’s own experiences of growing up in Glasgow, the play brings together family memory, national mythology, grief, masculinity and the loss of language. Written in a vivid blend of Glaswegian Scots, English and Gaelic, it asks who gets to write history, whose stories are preserved and what happens when people become separated from the language and culture of their families.

Funny, lyrical and sharply provocative, Through the Shortbread Tin examines the myths Scotland has created about itself, the histories it has neglected and the complicated search for belonging.

First produced by the National Theatre of Scotland, this critically acclaimed solo show offers rich material for performers, theatre companies and students of contemporary drama, Scottish literature, history, identity and language.

“Witty and provocative.”

★★★★ The Guardian

“A tartan wrapped gift of a show.”

★★★★ The Herald

“Historically rich as it is humorous.”

★★★★ All Edinburgh Theatre

CAST: 1 actor

DURATION: 75 minutes

Funny, lyrical and provocative, Through the Shortbread Tin explores Scottish identity, language and belonging through the story of James Macpherson and one man’s search for the histories hidden within his own family.