The Welsh translation of a French play penned by an Irish dramtist will be staged in Cardigan's Theatr Mwldan next week.Samuel Beckett’s 'Diweddgan' or 'Endgame' is Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru - the Welsh National Theatre Company’s latest production as it continues in a classic mode following its success with Saunders Lewis’ 'Esther' during the summer. Originally written in French and titled, 'Fin De Partie', the existential one act play looks at the misery and meaningless of the human condition and is considered of huge importance in the absurd theatre tradition. 'Diweddgan; is translated into Welsh by the newly appointed National Poet of Wales, Emeritus Professor Gwyn Thomas. “But for the first time English subtitles will be displayed on a stage side screen in some of the performances during the four-week tour of Wales’ main theatre venues,” said Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Marketing Manager, Elwyn Williams. “This is an experimental extension to the usual pre-performance sessions held for Welsh learners and its development very much depends on the feed-back received during and after the tour,” he added. ‘Diweddgan’ will be performed in the the Theatr, Cardigan on Friday evening, November 3, 2006, at 7.30pm. Set in a bare room the four characters pass the time toying with fears and illusions of possible change to their wretched lives. Through language and imagination they attempt to find answers but to no avail. “In his writings for the theatre Samuel Beckett showed influence of burlesque, vaudeville, the music hall, commedia dell'arte, a well as the silent-film style of such figures as Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin,” said Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Artistic Director, Cefin Roberts. “This is Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s first staging of a major modern European classic and where better to start than by celebrating the birth of Samuel Barclay Beckett exactly one hundred year ago,” he added. The cast members are Arwel Gruffydd, Owen Arwyn, Lisabeth Miles and Trefor Selway - all experienced and well-respected stage and television actors. 'Diweddgan' is directed by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Deputy Artistic Director, Judith Roberts. This is her third touring production for the company. The performace in Cardigan's Theatr Mwldan marks the end of a six week tour of Wales' main theatre venues with ‘Diweddgan. Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan, on 3 November, 2006 at 7.30pm A pre performance workshop sessions is provided for drama students and Welsh learners. Information is available from the Theatr Mawldan. Dublin-born Samuel Beckett had a long, restless and prolific career spanning most of the last century. He was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1969 and died, in Paris, in 1989. ’Diweddgan’ was first staged in 1956. |
| Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru web site: www.theatr.com |
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Monday, October 23, 2006 |
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