Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru is delighted to announce the forthcoming tour of Merch yr Eog, a multilingual production that will be touring in Wales, England and Brittany during the autumn of 2016. Merch yr Eog is a co-production between Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Teatr Piba, Brittany, in partnership with Aberystwyth Arts Centre.

The play, which is based on original work by Owen Martell and Aziliz Bourges, is a multilingual piece and will be performed in Welsh, Breton and French. The directors of the play are Thomas Cloarec (Teatr Piba) and Sara Lloyd (Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru), and the cast will include actors from Wales and France. Merch yr Eog will open at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre on 5 October 2016. This is the first time that Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru has co-produced with a company from abroad on a project that will tour internationally.

Sara Lloyd, Associate Director with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, and one of the Directors of Merch yr Eog, said:

“This is a very exciting project to be a part of. The development phase has spanned about three years, and the play has been developed in both Wales and Brittany. It’s a pleasure to work with the team from Brittany, and we’ve learnt a great deal from each other. The play will be performed in three languages (well, four actually, since there is also some spoken Creole in the play), which will be challenging, but at the same time the work of directing it feels very exciting. We are looking forward immensely to starting the rehearsals in Aberystwyth in September, before touring the play to audiences in Wales, Plymouth and Brittany.”

Audiences will be required to download the Sibrwd app in order to be able to follow the elements of the play performed in which ever language they do not speak (be that Welsh, Breton or French). Until now, Sibrwd has been used for the company’s non-Welsh-speaking audiences only, and this is a significant step forward in the use of this innovative piece of technology. The whole play can also be enjoyed in English by way of Sibrwd.

Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, said:

“This innovative production is the result of years of discussion and exchanging ideas with Teatr Piba, who specialise in creating contemporary theatre in the Breton language. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru are thoroughly excited to be breaking new ground in introducing Sibrwd to our entire audience for the first time. Everyone coming to see the play – in Wales, Plymouth and Brittany – will be following the play on Sibrwd in order to access a translation of the many languages used. Sibrwd will provide translations for speakers of Welsh, Breton, French and English. As it will be a new experience for many of our audiences, detailed instructions will be given to everyone in advance, and a team of people will be available at every theatre to help guide members of the audience.”

Mair is called home to a funeral, and feelings of guilt and responsibility are brought to the surface. She starts to question her values and the happiness she thought she had found in Brittany with her partner Loeiza. All of a sudden, she has never felt so far from West Wales.  But can a friendly neighbour, who brings a strange gift to her door, calm her troubled mind?

-ends-

For futher information and to arrange press tickets, please contact Lowri Johnston, Head of Marketing and Communications, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, lowri.johnston@theatr.com / 01267 245617

Based on original work by Owen Martell and Aziliz Bourgès.
Directed by: Sara Lloyd, Thomas Cloarec

Dates:

19:30
05–07 October
Aberystwyth Arts Centre
aberystwythartscentre.co.uk / 01970 623 232

19:30
11 & 12 October
Pontio, Bangor
www.pontio.co.uk / 01248 38 28 28

19:30
14 October
Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli
01758 704088

19:30
17 October
Galeri, Caernarfon
www.galericaernarfon.com / 01286 685 222

19:30
20 & 21 October
Lyric, Carmarthen
www.theatrausirgar.co.uk / 0845 226 3510

20:00
25 & 26 October
Weston Studio, Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff
www.wmc.org.uk / 029 2063 6464

19:30
29 October
The House, Plymouth
https://peninsula-arts.cloudvenue.co.uk/home / 01752 585050

3 & 4 November
L’Arthémuse, Briec, Brittany

15 November
Le Théâtre du Champ au Roy, Guingamp, Brittany

17 & 18 November
La Maison du Théâtre, Brest, Brittany

24 November
Le Théâtre du Pays de Morlaix, Brittany