''The Burning'' is a 1971 historical

play Play most commonly refers to: * Play (activity), an activity done for enjoyment * Play (theatre), a work of drama Play may refer also to: Computers and technology * Google Play, a digital content service * Play Framework, a Java framework * P ...

, written by Stewart Conn. Set during the life of James VI of Scotland, the play addresses the power struggle between the King and his cousin, the

Earl of Bothwell Earl of Bothwell was a title that was created twice in the Peerage of Scotland. It was first created for Patrick Hepburn in 1488, and was forfeited in 1567. Subsequently, the earldom was re-created for the 4th Earl's nephew and heir of line, F ...

. It exemplifies the brutality meted out to those caught in the midst of any struggle for religious or political power, and also deals with themes of witchcraft and superstition within the context of a battle between authority and anarchy. Conn's play was partly inspired by, and written in answer to,

Robert McLellan Robert McLellan OBE (1907–1985) was a Scottish renaissance dramatist, writer and poet and a leading figure in the twentieth century movement to recover Scotland’s distinctive theatrical traditions. He found popular success with plays and ...

's four-act comedy, ''

Jamie the Saxt ''Jamie the Saxt'' is a four act play in Scots by the Scottish dramatist, Robert McLellan, first produced by Curtain Theatre The Curtain Theatre was an Elizabethan playhouse located in Hewett Street, Shoreditch (within the modern London Bor ...

'' (1936), which earlier depicted the same period and events, though with a less direct portrayal of the King's major role in the persecution of witchcraft.

References

Scottish political plays 1971 plays Plays set in Scotland Plays based on real people Plays based on actual events Plays set in the 16th century 1971 in Scotland Cultural depictions of James VI and I {{1970s-play-stub