words: AMBER BELL
Following their impressive launch on Thurs 24 Jan, National Theatre Wales promise another year of innovative creative theatre in what is to be their third year as one of the UK’s most dymnamic theatre companies.
With the company entering their new year of productions, it’s quite clear that NTW have decided that it is time to once again impress. At the bustling launch, the company certainly didn’t disappoint as they set about announcing that they would be working with four residencies this year, one of which would see them travel to Japan. The company also promised two large scale projects, including a touring rock show led by Super Furry Animal’s Gruff Rhys.
Artistic Director John McGrath claimed the company were “digging deeper and travelling further than ever before. With our range of writers we can once again promise the very best of Welsh talent to our ever growing Welsh and international audiences.”
This exciting third season will take the company deep into Welsh communities whilst also giving their work international profile. For theatre fans in Wales, there’s plenty to look forward to.
NTW Y3 PROGRAMME…
De Gabay
Butetown, Cardiff, Sun 3 Mar
A site-specific journey of the often misunderstood Butetown area of Cardiff, and a reflection of the young local Somali poets who brought the tale to attention. An intimate exploration of Somali culture, the performance takes the audience from private living rooms to wide boulevards to Cardiff’s political centre, with a stunning parade finale.
Opportunity of Efficiency
Tokyo, Apr 2013
The company’s first international performance taking it to the “efficiently forward” Japan, this is a story of small lives caught up in an overpowering global struggle. The tale is inspired by the growth of efficiency and its place in changing society and saving lives.
Praxis Makes Perfect
May 2013
The first of the company’s large-scale projects, this is a touring rock gig by Neon Neon with Super Furry Animals’ Gruff Rhys and Boom Bip. The tour will be a sensational illustration of the extraordinary life and times of Italian publisher and political activist Giangiacomo Feltrinelli.
Things I Forgot I Lost
Anglesey, Jun 2013
This production brings Hugh Hughs home to the island he left behind for the first time, to be reunited with his lost family. It’s an intimate and heartfelt snapshot into the life experiences of one of the island’s most intriguing sons.
TonyPandemonium
Treorchy, Oct 2013
Celebrating the first play from award-winning author Rachel Trezise, this is a harsh yet hilarious portrayal of a young girl and her alcoholic mother told through the eyes of the child. Performed at the Park And Dare as part of their centenary celebrations, the tale depicts a fraught mother-daughter relationship on the brink of madness.
Silly Kings: Cardiff Castle
Dec 2013-Jan 2014
Following Praxis Makes Perfect, Silly Kings sees the company’s second large-scale project with an adaption of the fairytales by Monty Python’s Terry Jones. Set in an idyllic location, this creative piece of theatre will be loved by adults and children alike and brought to life within the castle walls.
With the promise of further surprise announcements throughout the year, National Theatre Wales look set for a season of theatre more imaginative and influential than ever before, proving just how far the compelling company has come since it was first launched in November 2009.