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Revenge and seduction in the wings as Theatr Y Byd premieres Ian Rowlands’ BUTTERFLY |
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After five years away from the limelight, acclaimed Welsh writer, Ian Rowlands is back with a vengeance with a provocative new work brought to the Welsh stage by Theatr Y Byd. BUTTERFLY is a play about art and life, and their appropriation by the unscrupulous; a reflection of society’s increasing immunity to pure emotion, instead seeking personal satisfaction through retaliation and acquisition. A pitch-black comedy featuring a cast of three, the play introduces an established art critic and collector who is no longer moved by beauty. Desperate to feel, to live, he has become a vampire who sucks the souls of young artists from their canvasses, destroying them out of spite. When he is picked up by a young man at a gallery opening, a story of seduction and revenge unfolds. “For several years I have realised other peoples’ visions. It is with pleasure that I was invited and undertook to present mine after an absence of five years from the stage. With this play, I hope to reclaim the title of dramatist – a title which has gradually been slipping away from my grasp owing to other work commitments,” says Rowlands who has won critical admiration at the Edinburgh Fringe, the Dublin Festival and throughout Wales (“one of the most erudite, provocative and literate craftsmen in contemporary Welsh drama” – The Western Mail) for his previous works. The work aims to be as stimulating in its production as it is in content. The performance is set within an installation by Artes Mundi 2004 finalist, Tim Davies who also worked in collaboration with Rowlands and Theatr Y Byd on LOVE IN PLASTIC in 1995. A surreal interpretation of pulsing butterfly images will dominate the installation. The performance is also supported with original music composed and recorded by Amy Wadge. Described by the London Evening Standard as “The new Joni Mitchell with her distinctive voice and well-crafted songs”, and twice-winner of the best female solo act at the Welsh Music Awards in 2002 and 2003, Amy’s music adds an additional creative dynamic to this evocative production. “Everything about this piece of music was inspired by my interpretation of the lead female character,” explains Amy. “I loved the script. I couldn’t put it down. It was incredibly evocative. I love Ian’s work. I’ve always loved the way he writes; it’s so lyrical. It was a wonderful experience to write a piece of music inspired by his work.” “I am thrilled that Ian Rowlands and Tim Davies have agreed to work for Theatr Y Byd again, having collaborated ten years ago on LOVE IN PLASTIC. I am also looking forward to working closely with The Riverfront Arts Centre in Newport, one of Wales’ newest theatres, where we will be rehearsing and premiering the play on St. David’s Day”, says director, Chris Morgan Ian Saynor plays the Art Critic, Alison John is Butterfly, and Sam Miller plays the Boy. Saynor has worked extensively in TV, film and theatre with roles in POBOL Y CWM, BOY SOLDIER and JILTING JOE. Alison John is best known for her role in SPEAKEASY. And Sam Miller most recently appeared in ORANGELOVE. This production of BUTTERFLY is in association with The Riverfront, Newport’s Theatre and Arts Centre and is funded by Arts Council of Wales. Theatr Y Byd has been described by The Stage as setting “a standard few others can reach” and is recognised throughout Britain for its fine productions of new and evocative Welsh drama. BUTTERFLY performs at the following venues throughout March: March 1st – 4th The Riverfront, Newport March 7th Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth March 8th Torch Theatre, Milford Haven March 15th Halliwell Theatre, Carmarthen March 16th Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon March 17th Clwyd Theatre Cymru, Mold March 18th Galeri, Caernarfon March 21st – 25th Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff March 28th – April 1st |
| Theatr y Byd web site: |
| Anne Keeling e-mail: Anne.keeling@btinternet.com |
Friday, February 3, 2006 |
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