A Good Clean Heart is new theatre at its best. It has a simple, moving story, that is brilliantly told by two exceptional actors. The point of difference, half the dialogue in English and half in Welsh, is no gimmick. The minimal staging, a bus stop and a bin, is used to brilliant effect. The projections and soundscape go beyond clever to give the production a unique and contemporary feel. All this, with real charm and, well, heart.
The opening scene shows two boys in two different places. They may not know the other exists. Yet, somehow, their movements and mannerisms are matched. A Good Clean Heart explores the differences in nature and nurture, the effects of fostering, adoption and dislocation. The brothers have been brought up in different cultures – West Wales and South London – providing some great light relief. What really matters, however, is how decisions made in their early life together shaped the rest of their lives when separated.
Hefin, played by James Ifan, is introduced first. A typical West Wales boy, he speaks perfect Welsh with English translations displayed across the bus stop. In his first monologue he tells the story of his morning. At first Ifan’s multi-roling is subtle, more narrative. He portrays his protective mother, his emotive father as though he is telling a tale to his mates, who we later meet in similar style.
Jay, played by Oliver Wellington, tells his own story with equal subtlety, complete with Welsh subtitles. He walks through a London market place where no-one has the same accent, unlike Hefin’s West Wales. This multi-roling becomes one of the most touching and believable aspects of a clever script by Alun Saunders. Both brothers play their mother, although they both have a very different understanding of her nature. Both actors are taken out of their cultural environs to play English and Welsh characters. This all serves to show how the ties of blood and brotherhood go beyond that of shared memories and experiences. Their understanding of each other is deep, deeper than they first feel, and it is not until the trauma of the finale that the brothers realise this themselves.
The acting really is exceptional. It is a joy to see two young performers commanding a stage with such grace, charm, physicality and expression. Also the actors have to keep pace with the projections throughout the play. Their thoughts are displayed in clouds, their texts as pm chats. Lyrics even came up on the screen during a heart warming moment of instantaneous musical bonding.
The title maintains that there is not a direct translation of some Welsh phrases: Calon Lan: A Good Clean Heart. But there is no translation needed to understand that the bonds of family and love can cross two countries. A sentiment beautifully held at the heart of this moving drama.
words JOHN-PAUL DAVIES