Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru has brought together some of Wales’s most prominent artists, actors and creatives to present a theatrical feast at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod this year.
The company will land at the National Eisteddfod with 4 productions and some of the freshest new writing in the Welsh language, bringing theatre to 6 different locations on the Maes. From a wedding in Llŷn to a children’s show; they’ll have something for everyone.
In Caffi Maes B, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru will present Parti Priodas by Gruffudd Owen; a comedy drama based in Pen Llŷn. Under the direction of the company’s Artistic Director, Steffan Donnelly, two familiar local faces will bring this fantastic play to life. Well-known as a writer and playwright, Mared Llywelyn (Cwmni Tebot) will star as Lowri, with Mark Henry-Davies (Of Mice and Men, Torch Theatre; The Way, BBC) as Idris. Both will also take on multiple other roles for this performance. The company looks forward to collaborating with Set and Costume Designer Luned Gwawr again, and to welcome multidisciplinary performer and dancer Cêt Haf as Movement Director. The extremely talented Sam Humphreys joins the team as Composer, returning to work with the company after performing and composing the music for Gwlad yr Asyn in 2021 and 2022.
The company will also present Yr Hogyn Pren, a magical production for children and families that will visit various locations on the maes. It’s a pleasure to collaborate with actor, puppeteer, and fight director Owain Gwynn (Life of Pi, Sheffield Crucible/West End; War Horse, National Theatre; Gangs of London, Sky) who will work as Puppetry Director. Director and playwright Melangell Dolma will direct, with Luned Gwawr once again leading on costumes. The team has been busy developing a unique, eco-friendly puppet with Small World Theatre, and cannot wait to introduce this character to audiences with the help of Owain and puppeteers Bettrys Jones (War Horse, National Theatre; Midsummer Night’s Dream, RSC) and Rebecca Killick (War Horse, National Theatre; Life of Pi, Sheffield Crucible/West End). This performance will blend puppetry and theatre, with actor Heledd Gwynn (Hedda Gabbler, Sherman Theatre; The Pact, BBC) appearing as ‘Y Fam’ with an original script from author Elidir Jones. Through sound and original music, two members of award-winning band 9Bach, Lisa Jên Brown a Martin Hoyland, will help us to immerse ourselves fully in the world of Yr Hogyn Pren with a spellbinding audio experience.
Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru have been fortunate to work with local author Sioned Erin Hughes on a stage adaptation of two monologues from her powerful collection Rhyngom, winner of the 2022 Prose Medal. There will be a chance to see both monologues performed live on stage in a touching adaptation directed by artist and director Iola Ynyr. Lois Elenid Jones (Craith/Hidden, Rownd a Rownd, S4C) will perform Er Fy Mwyn Fy Hun and Joseff Owen (Y Gwyll/Hinterland, Stad, S4C) will perform Adferiad. Following the performance, Esyllt Maelor will host a question-and-answer session with the author where they’ll discuss the work and Erin’s experience of adapting these pieces for the stage.
The company believes strongly in creating powerful, timely work responding to the world around us. This is the inspiration for Rwan Nawr; a co-production with Theatr Clwyd. Both companies have assembled a team of some of the most exciting voices in Wales today to create an exciting show in the form of a living newspaper. This is an opportunity to see new, contemporary work from Hannah Daniel, Manon Steffan Ros, Mali Ann Rees, Llŷr Titus and Kallum Weyman. The playwrights will take inspiration from some of the most burning questions and topics in the media currently while developing their short plays, and the final pieces will be performed in the Cwt Cabaret by Kieran Bailey (Operation Julie, Theatr na nÓg; Casualty, BBC), Dion Davies (Under Milk Wood; Torchwood, BBC), Caitlin Drake (The Brief & Frightening Reign of Phil, National Theatre; Truth or Dare, Theatr Clwyd), Lowri Gwynne (Fala Surion, Frân Wen; Rownd a Rownd, S4C), Leilah Hughes (In My Skin, BBC; Anthem, Wales Millennium Centre) and Dewi Wykes (Petula, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, National Theatre Wales and August 012; The Famous Five Musical, Chichester Festival Theatre and Theatr Clwyd). Rhian Blythe and Daniel Lloyd will direct this exciting theatrical experience, with talented musician Geraint Rhys working as Composer and Livia Jones as Designer.
As Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru prepares for rehearsals to kick off for their National Eisteddfod productions this year, Steffan Donnelly said:
“For the Theatr Gen team, the Eisteddfod is one of the highlights of the year, and there’s a lot of excitement in the office as we prepare to perform 4 performances across 6 different locations this year! It’s an honour to bring such thrilling pieces to new locations on the Maes, and hopefully by doing this we’ll reach new audiences who may not have seen our work before. It’s a wonderful experience to collaborate with so many talented artists, actors, and writers on a feast of a programme. I truly can’t wait to see you all at the Steddfod, and I hope you’ll enjoy everything we have to offer!”
The company has just launched its programme up to spring 2024; this is the first season under the artistic leadership of Steffan Donnelly. This ambitious programme includes its several productions at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod, a Welsh adaptation by Manon Steffan Ros of the play Rhinoseros by Eugène Ionesco, a new show for young people with Krystal S. Lowe called Swyn, and a piece created by young people for young people with the production Ie Ie Ie directed by Juliette Manon. Alongside the productions, the company are also presenting a number of long-term projects including Prosiect 40°C which responds to the climate crisis and Ar y Dibyn which offers creative opportunities to those affected by addiction. Creative project Criw Creu also returns in 2024, working with a group of Young Offenders from HM Parc Prison near Bridgend, and the Clwb Drama in partnership with Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr also continues.