This month sees the first stage performance of a new theatre company in Wales. The OtherLife Theatre Company’s stated remit is to take some of the most interesting and storied plays going on in London, plays that don’t see much of a life outside of the capital, and giving them a new lease of life for Welsh audiences, keying us into national discussions around theatre.
Founder Simon Reeves says, “It’s been in my mind for a while – I felt I couldn’t sit around moaning about the challenges theatre in Wales faces any longer and thought I’d try and contribute to the solution. I connected with the others at just the right time and working with them gave such a surge to my creativity – they made it possible to do something.”
The first play to be produced under the OtherLife banner will be Jack Thornes’ Mydidae, which, according to fellow founder member Matthew Raymond, was chosen because “it’s an excellent piece of writing which explores the relationship between two fully realized characters brimming with subtext, humor and pain.”
One of the main challenges in producing such work was bound to be to do with the rights to performing the chosen pieces, something that Raymond elaborates on. “One difficulty of starting out as a new company is ensuring literary agents and writers that we will handle the work professionally and produce it to the highest possible standards.” Reeves adds, “We’ve found that [we’ve had most success with] people that like the sound of what we’re trying to do.” The ‘why’ of OtherLife is more important than the ‘what’.
With funding secured from the Arts Council Of Wales and the Carne Trust, the tentative beginnings of OtherLife look promising. Where do they see the company in a few years’ time? Matthew is forthright: “Established within Welsh theatre as a respected and collaborative company producing and touring current and provoking work that often only London audiences have access to.” Simon is more relaxed: “I’d like that, but perhaps on a company team building exercise on a beach in the Indian Ocean?”
FEDOR TOT
Mydidae, Tue 22 May – Sat 2 Jun, The Other Room at Porter’s Cardiff.
Tickets: £10/£12 (previews £5). Info: www.otherlifetheatre.org