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Eight Thousand Miles in Eighty Minutes
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Forty-five members of the National Youth Theatre of Wales 2011 are currently in-residence in Aberystwyth – working between the University and the Arts Centre - to create, rehearse and launch their 2011 production, Patagonia – Yr Hirdaith / The Long Journey, before touring to Clwyd Theatr Cymru in Mold and the new Richard Burton Theatre in Cardiff.
This year’s production has been devised by young people supported by NYTW Artistic Director, Tim Baker, and his creative team. Using the amazing story of the migration of Welsh families to Patagonia in 1865, the cast has been exploring a range of themes and ideas through their trademark talents of music, movement and theatre to realise a vibrant production that comments upon the ties between Wales and Patagonia.
Supported by a Creative Wales award from the Arts Council of Wales, Tim Baker visited Patagonia earlier this year, where he was able to research, speak to people, try to understand the extraordinary fusion of Welsh and Spanish cultures in some places, and experience something of the landscape.
“The story of the rural Welsh in the mid 19th century is above all the story of land, of who owned it and who lived on it. Standing on the land in both Wales and Patagonia was a crucial part of the experience I’ve been able to share with NYTW members this summer”.
Tim Baker, NYTW Artistic Director
Matthew Rhys’ book, Patagonia: Crossing The Plain provided some initial, visual inspiration; Matthew is a former member of NYTW who has been making his name in Hollywood in such series as Brothers and Sisters, and who recently starred in the film Patagonia directed by Marc Evans (another former member of NYTW!). The Company also had the benefit of a visit from Elizabeth Fernandez from Patagonia, who is currently studying in Wales. She was able to bring a personal perspective and first-hand experience of the connection between the two countries – through Spanish and Welsh!
Patagonia – Yr Hirdaith / The Long Journey features both Welsh and English languages.
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Friday, September 2, 2011 |
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