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17 year old actor with Asperger’s to take lead role in new play, Matthew’s Passion, by Mike James. |
A 17 year old actor who has Asperger’s Syndrome will be taking the lead role in Winterlight Productions new play, Matthew’s Passion, which has been written by Sherman Theatre’s former director Mike James. Matthew’s Passion will be at Sherman Theatre from 24- 27 July and will see the young lead actor, Calum Glanville-Ellis, perform alongside familiar Welsh faces Kathryn Dimery (Mappa Mundi, Wales Theatre Company, BBC’s The Story of Tracey Beaker,), Ioan Hefin (Belonging, Teulu, Gwaith Cartref, Pen Talar, Con Passionate, Pobol y Cwm) and Ri Richards (Belonging, High Hopes, Satellite City). Mike James’s new play follows the story of Matthew, a 16 year old boy with Asperger’s Syndrome who finds religious matters bewildering at best and scary at worst. He does his level best to avoid them whenever possible, preferring the company of his beloved birds. In the hope of firing an interest in the boy which may have a positive and calming effect on her son, Matt’s mother introduces him to a local music therapist. From the moment he hears the strumming of its strings, Matt is hooked on the mellifluous sounds of the guitar - likening it to the bird songs he knows so well and the gentle sounds of the early morning breeze when he is alone in his ‘hide’. For the lead actor Calum, this is his first professional acting role. He has been part of Sherman Cymru’s Youth Theatre since 2011 and is soon to study Performing Arts at Cardiff and Vale College. Calum, who is from Heath, Cardiff and attended Cathays High School, has been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as does his character Matthew. Matthew’s Passion has been written by Mike James who was the former Artistic Director of Sherman Theatre from 1983-1989 and this will be the first time that he has worked at the Sherman since then. The original score has been composed by renowned folk musicians Robin and Bina Williamson. Collaboratively they perform celtic and folk evocative East-West harmonies of their voices with harp, bowed psaltery and diverse other instruments. Directing the play is Chris Durnall (Theatr Gwent, Theatr Fynnon) who is looking forward to working on the project: “With the success of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time people are becoming increasingly interested with the link between autism and extreme levels of creativity. Matthew’s Passion explores the boys inner world where nature and magic are his creed. Matthew really believes he can fly... and who is to say that he can’t... Calum has just the right level of wonder needed to play Matthew. He carries with him sense that anything is possible..." Matthew’s Passion will be at Sherman Theatre from 24 – 27 July, 7.30pm. Suitable for ages 14+. Contains scenes of an adult nature. Tickets £12 - £20, concessions £2 off and Under 25s half price tickets. For further information and tickets please contact Sherman Theatre on 029 2064 6900 or visit www.shermancymru.co.uk |
| Sherman Theatre web site: www.shermancymru.co.uk |
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Thursday, June 20, 2013 |
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