Y SYRCAS/THE CIRCUS | EVENT PREVIEW
In 1848, a remote, withdrawn Welsh rural town is to have the door to its secluded world thrown wide open, in the distinctively new family feature film Y Syrcas (The Circus). Overbearing Calvinist minister Tomas Ifans (Aneurin Hughes) rules the resigned, poverty-stricken community when Circus Supremo erupts into their midst – in a flurry of colour and expectation nothing like anything the town has experienced before. While initially apprehensive of the flamboyant circus performers, when the circus elephant, Africa, helps to rescue several trapped tin miners, the town’s inhabitants become far more accepting of their unusual guests.
Y Syrcas is the story of Sara Ifans (Saran Morgan), Tomas’ endearing young daughter. Suppressed by her father, she is expected to adhere to his strict religious teachings, while Tomas himself is in fact addicted to Laudanum (Victorian opium). Circus Supremo seems to offer Sara an engaging and entrancing alternative life. She builds a touching friendship with Africa and learns to enjoy living for herself, breaking free of her father’s dominating grip.
Helen Griffin, writer of Y Syrcas, developed the beautiful story into a screenplay from local archive information, which in turn has given the film a visual authenticity of the period. Kevin Allen directs the cast and creates the incredible atmosphere of the film shot on location in Tregaron, Mid-Wales.
words REBECCA MARTIN
UK Premiere, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Sat 14 Dec-Sun 22 Dec. Tickets: £4.50-£6. Info: www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk
Broadcast on S4C, Boxing Day, Thurs 26 Dec, 7pm.
Y Syrcas (2013) – Trailer from Cinemattic on Vimeo.