Review: Enquiry Concerning Hereafter

Compared with French counterparts Voltaire and Comte, Scottish philosophers are perhaps less well known amongst the general public. The protagonists thrown up by the Scottish Enlightenment are, no question; their equal. Enquiry Concerning Hereafter goes some way to redress this. Duane Kelly’s play, directed by Andy Corelli, presents the friendship between David Hume and Adam Smith in their autumn years. They debate, laugh, cajole, challenge and support each other as they stave off the impending tap of Charon’s staff.

We first meet a less than healthy Hume in his bed. As he wakes he is confronted with the ethereal figure of Charon (Ian Sexon) who has come to ferry him across the River Styx. Hume plays for time in order that he might again see his good friend Smith. It would, after all, be a shame to waste the food prepared by his house-keeper. Charon agrees, indicating that he will not be far.

A touching relationship between Hume and Smith is played out by Mark Coleman and Dougal Lee. The two power the play beautifully as they air their latest philosophical musings, wondering aloud what context might be had against a lifetime of research.

As in life, so in death must a river run through their friendship. And Smith’s move into Hume’s erstwhile home, Panmure House, does nothing to change this as the Forth is replaced by the Styx. The Lecture Room at Panmure House - the actual backdrop to this play - readily summons the atmosphere which would’ve held sway during their sporadic meetings.

The nuanced performances are perfectly aliased to dialogue which carry the metatextuality of philosophical discourse to impart two minds entwining, diverging before finally aligning. We witness the essence of true friendship with all kinks and quirks present. These characters are quite simply a joy to watch…perhaps the reason why Charon generously gave them a few extra moments to share in each other’s company.

Enquiry Concerning Hereafter runs at The Lecture Room, Panmure House, Edinburgh, Aug 17th – 26th