Introduction

“Outlying Islands” (2002) by David Greig is a lyrical, provocative piece set in 1939, just before the outbreak of World War II. Two young naturalists are sent by the British government to a remote Scottish island to study wildlife, only to discover a colony of seabirds—and a local caretaker’s niece—who upend their perceptions of civilization and morality.

Synopsis

John and Robert, the two researchers, arrive on a desolate island with instructions for a top-secret military survey. Their host, Kirk, and his niece Ellen live in near-total isolation. Amid the rugged beauty of the island, primal instincts and personal desires emerge, intertwining with the looming threat of global conflict.

Key Themes

• Nature vs. Civilization: The isolation strips away social norms, revealing raw human impulses.

• War and Innocence: The impending WWII underscores humanity’s capacity for destruction even as the researchers study nature’s fragility.

• Freedom and Restraint: Ellen’s life, along with the men’s official mission, highlights the tension between societal rules and individual longing.

Significance in Scottish Theatre

“Outlying Islands” has gained renown for its haunting atmosphere and philosophical questions about humanity’s place in the natural world. It illustrates David Greig’s skill for blending poetic imagery with political undercurrents.

Why Actors Love It

• Intense Relationships: The quartet of characters shares claustrophobic connections that brim with conflict and desire.

• Atmospheric Setting: Actors must capture the balance of stark isolation and untamed beauty.

• Intellectual Challenge: Themes of ethics, nature, and war add depth to each performance.