One of Wales' most successful stage production companies is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Gaynor Lougher, a founder of Hijinx, tells Kerry-Lynne Doyle how the organisation is continuing to help theatre in Wales thrive todayIT started as a two-man show touring Wales' theatre venues in a small car packed full of theatrical equipment. Now based in the Wales Millennium Centre, Hijinx Theatre is one of Wales' most dynamic theatre companies. And the company's future is set to get even brighter this year as it celebrates its 25th anniversary. "I am delighted to be celebrating our anniversary," said Gaynor Lougher, one of the founders of Hijinx. Since being founded by Gaynor and Richard Berry in 1981, Hijinx has enjoyed critical acclaim and provided a spectrum of theatrical ventures. Ranging from workshops, to touring productions and inclusive theatre projects, Hijinx has injected the Welsh theatre scene with vibrance and diversity. And this diversity is set to continue in their anniversary productions. Their first show, Seize the Day, will open in Newport on May 17 before touring Wales and England. A tale centring upon one girl's defiance of all expectations, the play will be directed by Gaynor herself. Hijinx's autumn production, Estella's Fire, takes its inspiration from Charles Dickens' classic novel Great Expectations and will reunite the company with their first artistic director Rosamunde Hutt. Unsurprisingly, Gaynor is excited at the prospect of both productions. She says, "It's a real coup to have Rosamunde back for Estella's Fire as it's a very exciting new piece. "Both plays are exciting for different reasons. Seize the Day will star an actress with Down's Syndrome, something we are all proud of, and will be taken to bigger venues. It really is a fantastic piece of theatre." For anyone new to Hijinx - or to the theatre itself - Gaynor urges them to give it a try. "In life we never know if we enjoy something until we've tried it so it really is worth giving it a go." Alongside these productions, there will be two shows from Odyssey Theatre, a group established by Hijinx to enable people with learning difficulties to experience theatre and perform on the stage. Odyssey brings the experiences of people with learning disabilities to a wider audience, something Gaynor says is one of her proudest achievements. "Odyssey has been a particular success," she says. "There are few inclusive performing groups around for people with learning difficulties but the spirit and energy in Odyssey is fantastic for both those who take part and the audience." Now in its seventh year, Odyssey Theatre is flourishing since Hijinx found a base at the Wales Millennium Centre. "Being based at the Wales Millennium Centre has made a huge difference to us," Gaynor said. "Being part of an arts community has allowed us to form collaborations we would never had done before." While Gaynor welcomes new material, she has witnessed a shift in Welsh theatre since Hijinx was founded."There are far fewer theatre companies nowadays. The '80s was an incredible time for Welsh theatre with a huge choice of companies. It would be fantastic to see that volume of companies again." In her 25 years at Hijinx, Gaynor says she has seen a reduction in opportunities for new Welsh playwrights. "We only ever manage four actors in a show, which can be limiting for playwrights, so it would again be great to see more opportunities out there for them." But seeing a downshift in the volume of Welsh theatre has ensured that Gaynor is even prouder of the company's achievements. "I'm proud we are still here," she said. "For me, taking theatre to a wide audience has always been high on the Hijinx agenda. "We have wanted to make challenging and accessible theatre, something we'll keep looking to do for many years to come." Seize the Day will open at The Riverfront, Newport, on May 17. More information on the production is available from www.hijinx.org.uk |
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Friday, May 5, 2006 |
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