Pair

Today Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, with support from S4C, launches Pair: a new opportunity to encourage freelance artists in the arts sector to come together to develop original work. Instead of working independently to develop ideas, e.g. to write plays, Pair (Cauldron) will offer artists the opportunity to co-create through devised work in a creative space.

Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director of Theatr Gen said: Following recent initiatives that have focused on offering training and opportunities for playwrights (New Playwrights Group and Young Playwrights Scheme) as well as theatre directors (Awenau), I am delighted that Theatr Gen, with S4C's support, is able to offer this opportunity for theatre makers to create original work by devising and collaborating. As a company, we do of course have a role to work on realizing individual artists’ creative visions; but we also have a role to experiment with alternative ways of creating theatre productions, and to encourage artists to collaborate and co-create. There is a long and honourable tradition of this kind of theatre making in Wales, and it’s time that we as Theatr Gen honour that tradition. I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens when we throw artists of all kinds into the pair.

Pair is open to all types of artists; actors, playwrights, writers, storytellers, drama directors of all kinds, musicians, composers, dancers, choreographers, set and costume designers, sound and lighting designers, video artists and more. By bringing together artists from different disciplines to work in groups, the hope is to be able to develop exciting new ideas for future theatre productions, which could also include multi-platform elements.

Gwenllian Gravelle, S4C's Drama Commissioner, said:

"S4C is delighted to support Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru with this exciting and innovative scheme. As a public broadcaster we have a role to develop and attract talent to the creative sector in Wales and we are passionate and committed to providing opportunities for under-represented artists who do not always have the opportunity to express their voices and ideas. We are really looking forward to developing the skills of a range of artists – who will be able to work across different platforms – and to following the journey of this scheme with pride in the creativity of Pair.”

Twelve artists will have the opportunity to participate in Pair and each will receive a payment of up to £1,500 plus subsistence costs for their time and commitment to the project. Everyone will begin the creative journey in May at Y Llwyfan in Carmarthen, the home of Theatr Gen, where they will have the opportunity to enjoy a week of training and workshops to learn research, devising and collaboration skills. They will then form three groups, each one consisting of artists from different disciplines.

According to Dr Rhiannon Mair, who had the original idea for the project:

I'm so excited to be leading the Pair project, and I look forward to seeing the theatrical richness that will be created through devising techniques, bringing different artists together to share and discover unique ways of presenting stories and themes. Creating theatre through devised work is central to my vision as a practitioner and researcher. I believe this approach enables stories that are not often told to be revealed, and allows stories to be told from different perspectives. It is important for a country like Wales to find creative ways to reflect and refresh our individual and collective narratives, and I believe the energy of Pair will be an opportunity to do this.

During the summer, each of the individual groups will spend a week in a creative space developing two ideas each before sharing them with representatives from Theatr Gen and S4C, receiving feedback on each idea. It is hoped that some of the ideas put forward will lead to commissions by Theatr Gen to create devised live theatre productions, which may also include digital elements. It will also enable artists and creators of dramatic content of all kinds to develop creative and professional relationships with Theatr Gen and S4C.

Pair is open to any freelance artist in Wales over the age of 18. Developing artists and experienced artists are welcome, as well as those who want to increase their confidence in using the Welsh language in their work.

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and S4C are committed to making this scheme as inclusive and accessible as possible. If you feel there may be any obstacle preventing you from applying or if you need any particular support, please contact Theatr Gen to discuss this.

To express an interest in being a part of Pair, visit the Creative Development page at theatr.cymru/en/creative-development/ to complete the online expression of interest form, or you can express an interest in the form of a video of up to 2 minutes in length, and send it to creu@theatr.com or via WhatsApp to 07908439417. The deadline is 5.00pm, 22 March. A shortlist of applicants will be invited and paid to submit a full application for consideration by an external panel which will also include representatives from Theatr Gen and S4C. If you have any questions about the scheme or the application process, please contact Gavin Richards at Theatr Gen on: Gavin.richards@theatr.com

For any press or media queries, please contact Heulwen Davies, Marketing Manager at Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Heulwen.davies@theatr.com / 07817591930.

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