Two workshops from the University of Birmingham will be exploring the historical and cultural legacy of the Birnam Oak at the Dunkeld Living History Festival.
The Birnam Oak is the oldest remaining relic from Birnam’s Great Wood, made famous by William Shakespeare in Macbeth, as the sign that Macbeth is about to meet his end:
“Fear not, till Birnam wood
Do come to Dunsinane’: and now a wood
Comes toward Dunsinane. Arm, arm, and out!” (Act V, Scene V)
This weekend visitors to Dunkeld Living History Festival have the opportunity to learn about and explore the legacy of this culturally important tree in sessions being run by the Birnam’s Oak project from the University of Birmingham.
As the oldest remaining tree from this famous wood, it is important that we celebrate and share its importance with as many people as possible, so the stories of the Birnam Oak remain with us and give us a real way to connect with the history of Dunkeld.
Dr Toria Johnson, University of Birmingham
Macbeth: Death, Bane and Birnam takes place on Saturday 4 May from 14:00-16:00. Visitors will take part in an active theatre-based workshop to explore the connection to the tree in Shakespeare’s Scottish Play. The session will explore some of the choices Shakespeare makes in adapting his Macbeth from the historical accounts available to him, with particular reference to the role Birnam plays in his downfall.
On Sunday 5 May from 10:30-12:30 Fraud and Riot in Dunkeld will examine the political history of the oak and its connection to local legend Alexander “Dundonnachie” Robertson, who played an integral role in the 1868 Dunkeld Bridge Toll Riots. Participants will delve into the archives and explore the figure of Dundonnachie through a factual, local and dramatic lens.
Actor Joe Arkley and Shakespeare scholar and teacher Tracy Irish, both of whom work with the Royal Shakespeare Company as Associate Learning Practitioners, will lead the workshops. Both sessions cost £12 to attend.
Dr Toria Johnson, Associate Professor of Early Modern Literature at the University of Birmingham and academic lead for the Birnam’s Oak project, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for people to engage with the vibrant and culturally significant history of the Birnam Oak in a fun and creative way. There is no need to have any prior knowledge of Macbeth or Dundonnachie to attend these workshops, so everyone is welcome.
“As the oldest remaining tree from this famous wood, it is important that we celebrate and share its importance with as many people as possible, so the stories of the Birnam Oak remain with us and give us a real way to connect with the history of Dunkeld. We look forward to welcoming people this weekend.”
