News 06/03/2024

Ha/Ha: Callout for Artists

A title treatment for the project Ha/Ha - the title is purple and blue on a black rectangular background. There are dots, similar to lights, around the sides.

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Clwyd are looking for Wales’ funniest Welsh-language writers to kickstart a brand-new project titled Ha/Ha.

The organisations are looking for four artists to write a 10-minute comedy play whichwill be staged together at the Rhondda Cynon Taf National Eisteddfod 2024 directed by Daniel Lloyd and Rhian Blythe. As part of Ha/Ha, the successful artists will also enjoy development opportunities while writing their piece, including a comedy masterclass and professional mentorship.

The opportunity is open to anyone 18 years old or older, speaks Welsh or eager to build confidence to use Welsh in their work and is an artist or freelance worker in the creative sector, with experience of or an ambition to work within theatre. There are two stages to the application process first there will be a period for artists to express their interest in the programme, and then we will invite those shortlisted to submit a full application (paid).

Following the success of living newspaper Rwan/Nawr at last year’s Eisteddfod, Ha/Ha kicks off a new long-term partnership between Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Clwyd, aiming to develop and produce new Welsh-language comedies for audiences of all ages.

While announcing this new partnership, our Artistic Director Steffan Donnelly, said:

“Comedy has always been at the heart of Welsh-language theatre. In an age of global unrest, the collective experience of being part of an audience, sharing a joke and laughing together, is more important than ever. As a company, we're committed to developing the Welsh-language artists of the future, and as part of this work, I'm delighted to be announcing Ha/Ha today - the first step in our long-term partnership with the brilliant team at Theatr Clwyd.”

Theatr Clwyd's Artistic Director, Kate Wasserberg, said:

“I am incredibly excited to be announcing this partnership with the mighty Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru to develop new comedies in the Welsh language. The power to make an audience laugh is an incredible thing, and together we look forward to sharing the very best of Welsh writing talent with audiences and spread a little joy!”

More information will be released soon about this partnership.