Patti Pavilion, Swansea
Weds 9-Sat 19 May
Reaching into the annuals of modern Welsh literature, Little Dogs is inspired by the Dylan Thomas short story Just Like Little Dogs and is set in that ugly, lovely hometown of his.
For their latest production, National Theatre Wales are in partnership with theatre company Frantic Assembly. Called “vibrant and visceral” by The Independent, Frantic Assembly create their own award-winning brand of energetic and unforgettable theatre, aiming to attract new and young audiences in reflection of contemporary culture.
Little Dogs isn’t a million miles away from the “lonely night walker and steady stander-at-corners” life which Dylan Thomas depicts in his story. The play seeks to depict the search in those furtive hours for kindness and warmth: “where the methylated-spirit drinkers danced into the policeman’s arms and women like lumps of clothes in a pool waited, in doorways and holes in the soaking wall, for vampires or firemen.”
Little Dogs is set to re-awaken that young, sparkling, mating ritual across the city, where hearts beat faster and feet dance faster. In the nightclubs, bus shelters, back streets and sand dunes, daring girls and reckless boys engage in a desperate dance while the less fortunate observe and pretend it doesn’t hurt. This is a production filled with a dynamic mix of movement, music and text. Tickets: £5-£15. Info: 01792 602060 / www.taliesinartscentre.co.uk (RW)