C Aurora
Aug 27 (18:20)

Exceptio Probat Regulum

The ‘Holy Trinity,’ let’s say, of Christianity, is form’d by the Gospel accounts of Jesus, the teachings of St Paul, & the lives & martyrologies of the later saints. Among the latter group, the Confessions of St Augustine, completed about 400 AD, is one of the key texts for the encouragement of conversion to Christianity, of how to step from the dirging slurge of a sinful life into a virtuous blissdom of bright & shining rightness.

A massive best-seller, let’s say, in previous millennia, by 2023 the Confessions are being sidelined, somewhat, from mainstream culture. I don’t think I would have pick’d it up to read myself, but seeing Stephan Callaghan‘s one man version of the play yesterday has fill’d that gap, broadening my gnosis in the process.

The play begins with me realising why the play is call’d Oggie Oggie! Oggie – of course, it is short for Augustine, & all of a sudden we are whipp’d to Maryhill or summat in Glasgow listening to Augustine‘s mis-spent youth metamorph’d into a dodgy, beer-swilling Weegie. I mean, it is brilliantly play’d, but a strange start because it’s not too long afterwards that all trappings of modern Glasgow are lost & we are spirited into the 4th century times of Saint Augustine & his tale. 

As a performer, Sephen is flawless, & energetic, & his powerful, clear voice projects so well – he really is quite commanding of our attention. The production is also top class – great music, great lighting, great vibes. There are also some lovely audience interactions, rare in theater, but which really do work. Oggie! Oggie Oggie! Is ultimately a highly entertaining biopic, in which Augstine is brought back to life by the dramatic skills of Callaghan. A superb treat!

Damo