Welsh language theatre company Frân Wen has announces its 2024 Summer/Autumn season lineup.
The programme includes a unique storytelling trilogy based on the mythical Arianrhod from the Mabinogi and a fabulous new musical from Seiriol Davies.
In a groundbreaking feat of storytelling, the OLION trilogy unfolds in three distinct formats: a live theatre show, a site-specific production that includes a community open-air event across the streets of Bangor and a digital short film.
The trio of experiences, led by a creative team of Anthony Matsena, Angharad Elen and Marc Rees, is set to start on September 23.
The narrative and world of the trilogy was inspired by a creative collaboration with GISDA, a charity supporting young people, which explored real-life experiences of underrepresented young people from North West Wales.
Gethin Evans, Artistic Director of Frân Wen said: “Building on Wales’ reputation for site-specific practice, co-creation, devised process’ and innovative storytelling, we look forward to bringing some of our most exciting and experienced artists together with the next generation of storytellers to continue to discover what Welsh theatre is and can be today.”
NEW SEIRIOL DAVIES MUSICAL
This year’s National Eisteddfod will welcome Seiriol Davies’ fiercely funny and fabulous Welsh language queer musical, Corn Gwlad.
It’s inspired by the story of poet Prosser Rhys who won the Crown 100 years ago for his poem which details his sexual relationship… with another man!
Expect teleporting, spooky ghosts, glitter, really cute bed sheets, chunky jewellery and ferrets.
DEVELOPING BACKSTAGE SKILLS
Following on from the success of the three established Frân Wen Young Companies, Young Company: Tech will be launched over the coming weeks.
This new group will provide opportunities for young people to work closely with the industry's best backstage experts to develop technical lighting, sound and stage skills.
BRINGING THE STREETS ALIVE
Following visits to Nefyn, Bala and Dolgellau in the past Fa’ma will bring the streets of Bethesda alive with arts this summer as it invites audiences to experience the rural town through the eyes of its young people.
PATHWAYS TO NEW WORK
The next phase of our Artist Development aims to nurture talent and provide pathways for artists to present bold and dynamic new work to audiences.
The first of these opportunities is Your Radical Teenager, a commissioning opportunity for artists with 20+ years experience who want to break free from artistic constraints and embrace their truest, most radical selves.
There is also a collaboration with the Eisteddfod to develop young artists who are passionate about crafting experiences tailored for festivals and outdoor work. The project will culminate in a fringe production for the 2026 festival.
Space & Time is a scheme that offers creative spaces and one-to-one professional guidance, MICS is a new creative network for freelance artists in North Wales, and Sgratsh social events that double up as a platform for artists to share their work in progress.