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Dwy Stori, Un Llwyfan

10/04/2019 / No Comments

Introducing Dwy Stori, Un Llwyfan (Two Stories, One Stage) – a project that brings two generations together under the auspices of Gwanwyn, Age Cymru’s Spring Festival. We’re very pleased to work with Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr on a project which brings together Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Menter’s Clwb Drama and older members of the communities of Carmarthenshire.

As two generations come together to take part in creative activities – drama, dance and song – this project will give them an opportunity to think creatively about each other’s well-being, whilst encouraging good health both mentally and physically. It will encourage both generations to develop self-confidence, to chat together and respond in a creative manner.

Dwy Stori, Un Llwyfan gives us an opportunity to challenge preconceived ideas about ageing and encourages both generations to learn from each other through creating and being creative. It offers new opportunities in the local community to develop acting and performing skills through the medium of Welsh, in a safe and creative atmosphere under the guidance of professional artists.

The drama, dance and song sessions will give older people an opportunity to develop acting, dancing and singing skills, and to develop creativity in the company of young people. These opportunities offer diverse and important experiences for every generation, making them feel part of the community in the company of friends and family members.

The creative sessions are held during the weekly workshops held by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Drama Club and the language initiative Menter Gorllewin Sir Gâr. This is a drama club for primary school pupils in Carmarthenshire (years 3 to 6) to help them develop acting skills, to gain confidence, and to give them an opportunity to enjoy drama and theatre work. The club meets weekly in Y Llwyfan, Carmarthen, the home of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.

The creative sessions will run from 10 April – 22 May, culminating in a performance of the work at Cartref Cynnes, Carmarthen on 23 May 2019.

Would you like to take part in the sessions? Contact us at thgc@theatr.com or on 01267 233882.

Timetable for the sessions

10/04/2019         A ‘getting to know you’ session in the company of Mel, who will be making the props with us for the Performance. 6pm–7.30pm, Y Llwyfan

01/05/2019        Dance Session: 6pm–7.30pm, Y Llwyfan

08/05/2019        Music Session: 6pm–7.30pm, Y Llwyfan

15/05/2019        Drama Session: 6pm–7.30pm, Y Llwyfan

22/05/2019        A session to bring everything together for the Performance: 4pm–6.30pm, Cartref Cynnes, Carmarthen

23/05/2019         Performance of Gwanwyn in Cartref Cynnes, Carmarthen. The children to arrive by 4.30pm. The show starts at 6pm. There will be a cuppa and a cake at the end.

 

This project is supported by Age Cymru’s Gwanwyn Festival, a national festival that celebrates creativity in older people.

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10 April 2019

Quizzing Catrin Dafydd

22/02/2019 / No Comments

Quick questions quizzing Catrin Dafydd, author of the play Merched Caerdydd.

Merched Caerdydd goes on tour with Nos Sadwrn o Hyd by Roger Williams in March and April 2019. Full tour details here.

Merched Caerdydd

Cardiff is home to Cariad, Liberty and Awen. Whilst they each tread a very different path in life, they have more in common than their city alone. Here are three young, bright, and perhaps unexpected women from contemporary Wales, each trying to make sense of their messy lives. Women trying to come to terms with their past whilst navigating their futures. But will change be possible? Or has their fate already been sealed?

Where did the idea for this play come from?

Originally, Merched Caerdydd was commissioned as part of the provision at the National Eisteddfod in Cardiff 2018. During the process, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru became a partner as well. As a result, I was fortunate to work with the directors, Sarah Bickerton and Mared Swain. The monologues were performed in the drama hut and in the Sïo café. As 2018 was a year for remembering a century since some women were given the right to vote, I was keen to present monologues about women living in Cardiff today and who could speak Welsh. On top of that, I wanted to provide a platform for women we don’t often see on stage. Representing women’s challenges (and the difficult choices they have to make in terms of their role) underpinned what was driving me forward when writing.

CatrinDafydd

Can you give a brief description of the 3 characters?

Cariad is a young woman full of life from the deprived area of Caerau, who’s intent on being a star somehow. Liberty is a fiery woman who has a complex relationship not only with her mother, but also with her own body. Awen was brought up in a luxury home in Cyncoed but she will have to come to terms with her past decisions before being able to move on.

Has the script changed since the first reading at the Eisteddfod? If so how and why?

Originally Merched Caerdydd were three monologues, but now the monologues have been interlocked to create a play. It was a work in development and as a result it evolved along the way. With each reading and every rehearsal there were changes and cuts to try to strengthen the piece. In addition, on hearing the work being performed to an audience at the Eisteddfod I had an opportunity to notice other things that needed to be cut and adapted. In a live performance, the audience will give you hundreds of clues without saying a word. You can feel the need to adapt and change the piece and yearn to do so after the performance!

Do you collaborate with the director?

For me, working with Mared the director has been a key part of the development of Merched Caerdydd. In so many ways, writing is a mass process and Mared and I have worked closely along the way. Her dramatic advice has challenged me at all times which is so special.

Do you feel that the characters change as the actors take possession of them?

Actors always brings new life into characters. In the rehearsal room, the work evolves as the actors contribute their thoughts. In my opinion, everyone intensely involved with ‘the development of the drama” has the right to suggest what might strengthen the piece. Following this, it’s a matter of weighing up.

Which one do you prefer? Writing for television or for stage?

Writing for television and stage are different experiences in one respect but yet again they have many things in common. In each case, you are working closely with producers, directors and editors who all want to give the best experience for the audience. I don’t feel the need to choose between one discipline or the other actually because having the privilege of writing in many mediums enriches your experience as a writer.

Merched Caerdydd by Catrin Dafydd is touring across Wales alongside Nos Sadwrn o Hyd by Roger Williams in March – April 2019. Find out more here.

Delwedd Gwefan Theatr Gen

Cast announcement for Merched Caerdydd / Nos Sadwrn o Hyd

12/02/2019 / No Comments

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru is pleased to announce the full cast for the production Merched Caerdydd / Nos Sadwrn o Hyd which will tour Wales between 13 March and 13 April. Merched Caerdydd is a new work by Catrin Dafydd which was presented as a rehearsed reading of a work-in-progress to large audiences at the Cardiff National Eisteddfod in 2018, and Nos Sadwrn o Hyd is an adaptation by Roger Williams of his own popular play Saturday Night Forever. Two contemporary plays based in the capital city, by two of Wales’s most distinct voices. Continue Reading…

Theatr Gen Creu Cymraeg

A call for individuals to apply for Awenau: A Training and Mentorship Scheme for Theatre Directors

20/12/2018 / No Comments

As part of Theatr Gen Creu – Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s programme which supports the development of theatre artists and fosters talent – the company is calling for applications for Awenau: A Training and Mentorship Scheme for Theatre Directors. This is a unique opportunity for emerging and early career directors, or theatre practitioners who are eager to change direction and try their hand at directing, to enable them to develop their craft. Continue Reading…