Prop-Wash theatre new play The Butcher Bird, reveals an insight into a little known piece of Welsh history which changed the course of World War 2, The Play will take place from the 9th July 2004 at Chapter Arts Centre Cardiff.
By 1940 the R.A.F. had won the Battle of Britain – just. However, by the end of 1941 a new German fighter –The Butcher Bird – had appeared. This aircraft was superior to anything available to the R.A.F. Once again, the tide of war started to turn against Britain. The Butcher Bird was invincible, Attempts by the R.A.F. to shoot it down led to disastrous losses in aircraft and pilots – by summer 1942 the R.A.F. was losing 100 pilots a month. Something had to be done.
The audience will discover from formerly classified events how a top-secret German plane became part of Welsh history. The performances will also coincide with the 60th anniversary of D-Day.
Robert Pleasance, the co-founder of Prop-Wash Theatre said "We hope this play will give people a chance, too begin to see the many hidden story and heroes we have in Wales”. Mr. Pleasance has exhibited both plays and Films in Chapter as well as being awarded 2 Golden Pixel awards in 2003 As part of Promo Cymru Welsh Awards For Independent Digital Artists.
The play takes place at Chapter Arts Centre in Media Point on Friday 9th Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th July, from 7.30pm – 8.30pm admission is £5 for adults and £3 concession. Chapter Box Office (029 2030 4400)
NOTES FOR EDITORS
The Butcher Bird is Prop-Wash Theatre’s first of many stories to be brought to the stage. Prop-Wash was set up by Robert Pleasance and Tim Davis over 5 months ago. The two first met while working on the Chapter based Net-Gain Project Train of Tears.
T.J. Davies
Born and brought up in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Educated at St. David's University College Lampeter, King's College London and Wolverhampton Polytechnic. After passing everything but the medical for R.A.F. pilot training, and becoming disenchanted with Academe, tried hand at numerous jobs - Iron foundry charge hand, teacher, warehouse clerk, accountant, salesman - usually with a conspicuous lack of success.
Stumbled into nursing in 1981, been there ever since.
Writing, principally short fiction, published in cambrensis, Beyond the Boundaries, New Welsh Review and Planet, with other ephemera in Radical Wales and the New Statesman. Winner (amongst others) of the 1995 Rhys Davies award for short fiction. Some stories broadcast on B.B.C. Radio. Currently working on a series of sci-fi stories for publication in Romania, and on a number of dramatic productions for stage, T. V. and video.
Robert Pleasance: Born and brought up in Fleur-De-Lys, Gwent, South Wales. Educated at Cross Keys College (Wales) and Napier University (Edinburgh) Studying a BA in Photography Film and TV, while at Edinburgh he was involved in the Media2 project Journeyman to link film schools from across Europe into working partnerships.
After finishing at Edinburgh, Robert returned to Wales to start his professional career.
Working as part of the NETGAIN PROJECT – A pan-European arts forum at Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff. Also with Eddie Ladd on her theatrical play SCARFACE. Wrote and directed the theatrical play TRAIN OF TEARS for Chapter Arts Centre. His had his photography work exhibited and toured thought out the UK.
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