Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, in partnership with Pontio and Cwmni’r Frân Wen are pleased to announce today (28 July 2015) that Chwalfa will be staged at Theatr Bryn Terfel, Pontio – Bangor University’s Arts and Innovation Centre, in February 2016 as part of Pontio’s opening programme.
Chwalfa will be staged from 17 February until 27 February 2016, with tickets on sale from October 2015.
The company are very pleased to announce a new date for this production, following the need to postpone the production last year due to delays with the construction work of the new centre in Bangor.
Chwalfa (meaning dispersal or upheaval) portrays the effects on the community of the Penrhyn Quarry’s Great Strike, as told from the perspective of one fictitious family. This was the longest running industrial dispute in UK history, and lasted for three years between 1900 and 1903. The play is an adaptation by Gareth Miles of T Rowland Hughes’ popular novel of the same name. Arwel Gruffydd, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Artistic Director, will direct the production. Members of the community will once again be an integral part of the production and the rehearsals will begin in the area November 2015.
Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Chwalfa Director said:
“It’s very exciting for us today that we can announce that we’ll be staging Chwalfa next year. It’s a pleasure for us to confirm that everyone’s hard work will at last be seeing the light of day in the New Year. We look forward to staging this important work as it is an exceptional story that had an enormous impact on the local community and which played a significant part in our nation’s history, and in the wider history of the trade union movement.”
Elen ap Robert, Pontio’s Artistic Director added:
“Today we can announce with confidence that the ambitious Chwalfa production by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru will be central to Pontio’s opening season despite the challenges we have faced. It’s a pleasure to begin sharing our excitement regarding the opening programme with you, and what better way than through announcing that this poignant show will be staged in February. As a Centre, Pontio want to give the Welsh language and Welsh culture a strong voice, and therefore it was a priority for us, our creative partners and Bangor University that this story be given its rightful place on our main stage.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
Chwalfa
17 to 27 February 2016
Tickets available from October 2015
For futher information, please contact Lowri Johnston, Marketing and Communications Manager, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru; lowri@theatr.com / 01267 245617 / 07903 842617
Sibrwd, a smartphone app available for IOS and Android will be available to use during all of the performances. Sibrwd is a little voice that whispers in your own language, guiding non-Welsh speakers through the performance, helping you be part of the action. Developed by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Galactig. www.sibrwd.com
Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru was formed in 2003. Its aim is to offer a variety of theatre productions which are wide in their appeal, and that enrich Wales’ theatre culture in all its forms, especially through the medium of Welsh. The company is based in Carmarthen, and is a registered charity;
Charity number: 110603.
Registered company: 4784488
Pontio announced in June that it will begin opening its doors in October, with a full artistic programme running from December 2015. Pontio Arts and Innovation Centre on Deiniol Road in the heart of Bangor will offer a unique destination in the city – a place to enjoy remarkable entertainment facilities including a mid-scale theatre, theatre studio, a cinema and outdoor performance spaces.