Graham Eatough on Channeling the Punk Spirit of ‘This is Memorial Device’
Graham Eatough’s eyes light up as we delve into the world of his latest project, an adaptation of David Keenan’s beloved novel, This is Memorial Device. The play, which has captivated audiences in Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen, now makes its way to London’s Riverside Studios. As Graham explains, the piece thrives on its deep Scottish roots, intertwined with a broader, universal appeal…
📸 Graham Eatough. Pictured: Graham Eatough;
It’s not easy being Iggy Pop in Airdrie. The iconic line from the book didn’t end up in the play’s final version, but still resonates with Graham, who grew up in Blackburn. He elaborates: “It’s one thing to be an eccentric or creative individual in London, New York, or some other metropolitan centre, but it’s quite another to be one in a small working town.”
📸 Mihaela Bodlovic, Pictured: Paul Higgins
Discussing the play’s themes, Graham touches on the existential worries that bind generations: the fear of becoming a 'has-been' or a 'never-will-be.' Maybe the truth lies somewhere in between, he muses. “The struggle to acknowledge the significance and potential of what you’re doing in the present without always projecting forward… The feelings of looking back on those times and realising how significant they actually were. That’s what the show’s about.”
📸 Mihaela Bodlovic, Pictured: Paul Higgins
For those familiar with the novel, the play promises a fresh interpretation. “David Keenan was always really emphatic about the story not being nostalgic, not full of 80s nostalgia,” explains Graham. “The book is not an autobiography, but a fantasy.” With its narrative told through 50 different voices, the adaptation remains true to the book's spirit, turning it into what Graham describes as a "mysterious shamanic ritual."
📸 Mihaela Bodlovic, Pictured: Paul Higgins
As our conversation wraps up, Graham hopes that audiences leave with a sense of liberation and creativity, inspired by the play’s central message: “It’s okay, and even productive, to be confused.” This philosophy not only mirrors the chaotic brilliance of punk but also serves as a beacon for today’s creatives, urging them to transform confusion and disenchantment into compelling art.
Catch This is Memorial Device at Riverside Studios through May 11.