Theatr Cymru and Welsh National Opera to co-produce Hedd Wyn: Eisteddfod Atomig

Theatr Cymru is delighted to announce that we are working in partnership with Welsh National Opera to present Hedd Wyn: Eisteddfod Atomig.

From the imagination of Gruff Rhys, with music by Stephen McNeff and directed by Steffan Donnelly, Hedd Wyn: Eisteddfod Atomig is a haunting new opera set in Trawsfynydd in the aftermath of a disaster at the nearby nuclear power station. With the past, present and future colliding, Hedd Wyn's legacy is distorted in the pursuit of a dangerous new beginning - and the piece explores Welsh identity and how the poet's story can be misinterpreted, mythologised and reclaimed. 

Conducted by Iwan Teifion Davies, the performers include Steffan Lloyd Owen (Carlo / Hedd Wyn / Yr Arwr), Paul Carey Jones (Y Bon Pebr) and Rebecca Evans (Y Fon Hon).

This new opera is part of Welsh National Opera's 26/27 Season, which marks the company's 80th anniversary.

Steffan Donnelly said:
"As a company, we pride ourselves on celebrating different forms of theatre – and so we're delighted to announce to be presenting our first large-scale opera in 2027. Working with Welsh National Opera is a pleasure and an opportunity for two national companies to work together to create an ambitious Welsh production. To direct my first opera with Stephen's incredible music, Gruff's mischievous and gripping libretto, Iwan's musical direction, and such a talented cast from the international world of opera is an honour."

Hedd Wyn: Eisteddfod Atomig will be performed at the Donald Gordon Theatre, Wales Millennium Centre, in May 2027 and more information will be available soon.