2023 has been a special year for Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru – and to top it all, the company has been nominated by The Stage for their Producer of the Year award. This is the first time a Welsh language company has been nominated as part of The Stage Awards.
Since launching in 2010, The Stage Awards have celebrated the successes of theatre companies and individuals from across the UK and worldwide. While announcing Theatr Gen’s nomination for Producer of the Year, The Stage commended the company’s commitment to ensuring that Welsh-language theatre is accessible, inclusive and sustainable.
The company’s production of Rhinoseros by Eugene Ionesco was listed by The Stage as one of their top 50 productions of 2023. Rhinoseros also reached the Wales Arts Review’s Best of Welsh Theatre 2023 list, alongside Pijin | Pigeon, a co-production with Theatr Iolo of the award-winning novel by Alys Conran, which toured in the spring. And the productions of Rhinoseros and Swyn have been chosen as part of Golwg’s arts picks of the year.
This news comes at the end of a successful year for the company, which has reached more than 20,000 people this year through projects and Productions. During 2023, the company have presented 3 national tours, and 5 performances at the National Eisteddfod with more than 50 freelancers – as well as providing a number of creative opportunities through participation projects like Ar y Dibyn and Criw Creu, and launching a long-term project responding to the climate emergency, Prosiect 40°C.
The company’s Artistic Director Steffan Donnelly said:
“This recognition by The Stage is brilliant news as we look back on a very successful year for Theatr Gen. It celebrates the range and impact of our work, which has toured across Wales, as well as the exceptional work of our team and hundreds of freelancers and artists. Being on the same list as some of my favourite theatremakers is an honour.”
Executive Director Angharad Jones Leefe said:
“It’s an honour to be nominated for this award and an important recognition of the work achieved by our amazing team and all the freelancers we’re fortunate to work with. It’s wonderful to see Welsh-language theatre celebrated on the British stage.”
The winner of Producer of the Year will be announced during the awards ceremony on 29 January 2024 at Theatre Royal Drury Lane, London.