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. Completing a month-long tour of South Wales at Chapter Arts Centre this week and next, BUTTERFLY has been picking up great reviews along the way:“To call Butterfly a play is something of a misnomer. With music by the acclaimed Amy Wadge and an art installation by the equally lauded Tim Davies, it’s more a sensory smorgasbord of creativity; it really is an event. In all honesty, I expected to hate this production but it comprehensively shot down my jaundiced skepticism. A provocative and evocative piece of postmodern theatre,” says The Big Issue, March 2006 and: “Saynor gives a dazzling performance, with the sharp poetic words slipping from his tongue like acid from his critic’s pen. His cynical wit and his spite contrast pleasingly with the youth and raw anger of his lovers. Both Miller and John are convincing, bringing a passion to their roles which is exhilarating to watch. Theatr Y Byd creates a haunting tale of seduction, revenge and regret which will linger in the memory,” says the South Wales Argus, March 2006 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, 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. 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 Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, March 21st to 25th and from March 28th to April 1st. |
| Theatr y Byd web site: |
| Anne Keeling e-mail: anne.keeling@btinternet.com |
Monday, March 20, 2006 |
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