Interview: Matthew John Donnachie
Interview Date: September 28, 2016
Today we have a special guest for our interview. From Nairn, Scotland author, actor, musician and writer, star and producer of The Edinburgh Fringe stage show The Jacobite Officer, Matthew John Donnachie. The show also stars piper and actor Anthony Carson and musician Kenny MacLennan.
Jack Robertson: I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to talk with us. Could tell us what is exactly you do as the Jacobite Officer?
Matthew John Donnachie: The Jacobite Officer presentation is based on a book I have written. I was introduced to a composer, Kenneth R MacLennan and we discussed how we could create a soundscape. We took a passage at a time and slowly created sections of musical narrative...basically a film without film. I then had an outfit commissioned and went out trying to visualize the project with filmmakers Victor Cameron and Craig Urquhart. The opportunity came to present the project as a live show in The Edinburgh Fringe and we sold out every show after the first week. I play a Jacobite Officer in the prince’s army of 1745. I encounter a trapped Kelpie who I then free... she then takes me down through the fairy pools on Skye... to the underworld... where I see ghosts, beasts... (and) times in the past and future.
Jack Robertson: That sounds amazing! Do you only do this at The Edinburgh Fringe, or is it something that you have started doing year-round and in different cities?
Matthew John Donnachie: Basically it’s been 4 years in the making as we all have day jobs. The fringe show was just a window into the full story as it lasts around 40 mins. We are looking into doing a full production with live musicians – cello, harp, strings, etc and more of a cast...the bigger picture again is trying to have it developed as a film. We are currently meeting with promoters to make that happen but like everything, it comes down to budget. We have only performed one other date since the Fringe that ended at the end of August... which was last night in Nairn as part of their new Arts festival.
Jack Robertson: You said that this came from a book you wrote. What is the name is the book? And is the book available for purchase in the States?
Matthew John Donnachie: The name is The Jacobite Officer Dream of The Waterhorse. In the book, I am the son of the Poet Chief, Struan of Robertson...which I'm sure the link will be loved by all our clan (Clan Donnachaidh) worldwide. The book is being proofread as we speak and the ep of the Soundscape is available to buy in the JO shop in the website. I'm hoping to have everything ready for release at the same time, book, soundtrack, app, show...no easy task but it will be done.
Jack Robertson: It really sounds like you have your work cut out for you. However, like most artists, I am sure you will be overjoyed when it all comes together and is done. I can assure you that you will now have a group of people in Oklahoma looking forward to its release.
Matthew John Donnachie: That's great! Hopefully, we can take the show to the States at some point.
Jack Robertson: If you do, I hope Oklahoma City is one of the stops. I love that you have incorporated music. Do you have a musical background as well?
Matthew John Donnachie: Yes I was a pro musician in my 20s. Myself and William Logan wrote a song for Braveheart, but it was never used...it planted a seed however which has taken me here.
Jack Robertson: Just to have been asked to contribute to a movie soundtrack is impressive, whether the song was used or not (although I bet your bank account would be a bit healthier with the royalty checks). So, what instruments do you play?
Matthew John Donnachie: I play bass, fretless bass, chapman stick double bass, and bodhran. Yep, would have been nice...but hey ho...that's how it goes.
Jack Robertson: With the popularity of the TV show Outlander, interest in the Jacobite movement has never been higher, at least in the States, is the same thing happening in Scotland?
Matthew John Donnachie: Well, it never hit mainstream tv over here. I think with the political climate over here with the independence issues, the powers that be would fear it having an anti-British influence. But it's available on cable. So yes, it is getting popular here. Hopefully, our project, although completely different, will appeal to the same people I'm sure.
Jack Robertson: As a fellow member of Clan Donnachaidh, I know that the Poet Chief (Alexander Robertson of Straun, the 13th Chief of Clan Donnachaidh) was a fascinating and amazing man himself, and I love that you have incorporated him into this. Perhaps he could be the subject of a future endeavor of yours?
Matthew John Donnachie: Yes, an inspirational figure. He is kind of like Lord Lovat but much more loyal. I like to think he speaks through me in this project as sometimes it’s been strange...as if guided somehow.
Jack Robertson: That must be an interesting feeling. And one I hope to see channeled in a future project. Well Matthew, once again I want to think you for your time. Before I let you go could give us the name of your website, I am sure that our readers would like to pay it a visit.
Matthew John Donnachie: No problem. The website is: thejacobiteofficer.com
