Theatre in Wales

Devised by the company

We have information on 126 plays by Devised by the company . Click on the play name to access any reviews in out archive. Click on the company's name to read their details on this web site

synopsis:
Following in the footsteps of the great Victorian explorers, Wallace and Darwin, Theatr Na n’Óg return from their recent expedition to the Museo De Vida, in Rio De Janerio, Brazil.   Theatr Na nÓg’s latest venture, The Butterfly Hunter provides an explorative scientific adventure for 3 – 7 year olds in South Wales.  

The Butterfly Hunter, runs at Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea from the 8th September to November 26th and will show to up to 4500 school children from across South Wales, making it the largest children’s production in Wales.  Theatr Na n’Óg’s autumn productions are renowned for their high quality performances and expert educational support.  This year as part of the Webplay scheme, they have developed a ground-breaking interactive resource that explores the boundaries of science and theatre, using creativity to stimulate and encourage learning across the curriculum.  

In 1841 Alfred Russell Wallace, born in Llanbadoc, came to survey the vale of Neath ready for the railways.  It was here he claims that his love for plants and insects grew, and on discovering a rare species of beetle he began to ask the question: Why and how are there so many different species? It was many years later that Wallace discovered an answer, which would spur Darwin on to produce his seminal work “On The Origin of Species”.    

Set in Neath, the play takes us to the far corners of the globe, to Brazil and Malaya chronicling the life of this great scientist. The play will investigate issues of sustainability, conservation, and the advent of the great thinkers and explorers of the Victorian era.   2010 is the year of Bio-Diversity and the play has been performed in the past 12 months everywhere from The Museum of life in Rio De Janerio to the National Botanic Gardens and now comes to the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea.  

synopsis:
“There is no art that teaches us to know
The temper, mind or spirit of any man”

Theatre in Education programme for secondary students
Rhaglen Theatr Mewn Addysg ar gyfer myfyrwyr ysgol uwchradd
Devised by the Company
Dyfeisiwyd gan y Cwmni

Human beings are defined by what they do and by the truth of what they say. These words and deeds shape the world. Antigone was written two and a half thousand years ago. It is the story of a young woman, in a time of war, who determined to act and speak in accordance with her conscience, looks authority in the face and sees a mask, devoid of humanity.

Today in 2005, also a time of war, the image of Antigone in the face of that pitiless mask endures. It is an image of our time.

This full day participatory TIE programme will bring to life the drama of Antigone.   Young people will be invited to explore and explain to themselves and each other, the nature of human society and the power of word and deed.

Perfformir gan/Performed by: Chris Batten
Danie Croft
Naomi Doyle
Olwen Medi
Llion Williams
Stage Management/Rheolwr Llwyfan: Chad Hind
Directed by/Cyfarwyddwyd gan: Ian Yeoman
Designed by/Cynlluniwyd gan: Jill Rolfe
Costume assistance/Cynorthw-ydd cynhyrchu: Tia Swan
Music and sound/Cerddoriaeth a sain gan: Dan Lawrence    
Tour administration/Gweinyddwraig y daith: Nikki Leopold
Administrative assistance/Cynorthw-ydd gweinyddol: Sue Early


Diffinir y bod dynol trwy air a gweithred.  Y gweithredoedd a’r geiriau yma sy’n ffurfio’r byd.  Ysgrifennwyd Antigone dros ddwy fil a hanner o flynyddoedd yn ôl.  Hanes merch ifanc yn ystod cyfnod rhyfel sy’n benderfynol o lefaru a gweithredu yn unol â’i chydwybod; sy’n herio awdurdod ac yn dod wyneb yn wyneb â mwgwd anhrugarog.

Yn 2005 eto, mewn cyfnod o ryfel mae’r ddelwedd o Antigone yn wynebu y mwgwd didostur mor fyw ag erioed.

Bydd y diwrnod cyfranogol o’r rhaglen Antigone yn anadlu bywyd i wythiennau hanfod y ddrama. Rhoddir cyfle i bobl ifanc archwylio ac esbonio drostynt eu hunain ac i’r naill a’r llall, natur y gymdeithas ddynol a grym gweithred a gair.

synopsis:
‘The Clock’ is a touching and humorous portrayal of children and their relationship to changing times and growing up.  We follow a family through changes in Valleys life.  From coal to Corona Pop to the munitions factory, then the arrival of the evacuees and the Americans.

 

‘The Clock’ has been created from the collected stories and memories of Valleys people who were children in the early and middle part of the last century.

 

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synopsis:
'Who Are We?' 'Pwy Ydyn Ni?' was specifically designed for schools to explore the nature of identity. The themes of the play examine how we came to be the person we are today, why we live where we do now, and the nature and origin of names.
'Who Are We?' 'Pwy Ydyn Ni?' is a humorous play, which dramatically explores these ideas and brings them alive for young people living in today's Valleys.
The play is performed in a rich mixture of both English and Welsh, and includes a wealth of ideas and information linking with the topics integral to the KS 2 History Curriculum - 'Knowledge and understanding of events, people and changes in the past'.
The project aims to increase our sense of self-esteem and raise awareness of our unique identity

synopsis:
Theatre in Education project for secondary students

“…Unnatural deeds do breed unnatural troubles”

Macbeth is overthrown.

In the aftermath of the war a team of International Commissioners confront the disturbing reality of life in the world for the victims of the power struggle. Thousands flee for the borders. Others are detained in holding areas.

The Commissioners gain access to a holding area. A derelict building where they find three children: casualties who are chained, detained, abandoned at play. They play out the nightmare of the world of Macbeth.

What is the world of Macbeth? What has happened to the children in the world? How must it be changed?

Shakespeare’s Macbeth is a play of its time and for all times. 'Living with Macbeth' is a full day, participatory TIE Programme, designed for secondary school students. In the course of their day with the Company the students will explore the real matter of Shakespeare’s play. Through their role as commissioners investigating the situation of ordinary people in extraordinary times, the world of Macbeth and its relationship to our world, will be made accessible, relevant and meaningful for them.

synopsis:
Some Day Soon delves into the feelings, desires and needs experienced during the lives of two close relationships. Although the production is created for adults with learning disabilities, the company  do actively encourage parents, carers, friends and families to watch the show. The themes raised in the play are relevant to all members of the community.

Some Day Soon brings together the talents of three founder members of Hijinx Theatre. Gaynor Lougher, as Director, Glenys Evans, Writer, and Matthew Bailey, Composer and Musical Director ~ a timely reunion to coincide with the start of Hijinx's celebratory year.

synopsis:
Inspired by conversations that took place in the Company's dance studios with the artist Harry Holland. The use of light, perspective and narrative within Holland's paintings led to experiments with lighting and shadows, using dancers to step in and out of single point lights, masking each other and casting silhouettes. Working with classical baroque music, the simple beginning produced vibrant images, and a strong human narrative thread emerged.

Directed by Roy Campbell-Moore

synopsis:
To Have and to Hold is a new devised play about marriage... relationships... friendship, based on research and real-life stories of people with learning disabilities. To have and to hold explores the trials and tribulations, the joys and jubilations of a brother and sister ... when he gets married and she meets a very special friend.

synopsis:
Devised by the Sherman Youth Theatre Summer School 2001

There was a cast of 15 people aged 14 to 20 and it was performed 4-8 September 2001.

synopsis:
Directed by Kevin Lewis.
Actors: Cari Munn & Zoe Baskerville
Musician: Paul Hughes

Box of Secrets explores the situation of FINN & MOLLY who are lost in the woods in the middle of winter. They encounter a boy asleep in the snow clutching a cardboard box. Who is he? Where does he come from? What secrets are contained within his box? MOLLY makes friends with the boy - coaxing him into revealing his secret. The box is empty but by using his imagination he can conjure up whatever he wants. MOLLY joins in the game and together they enjoy taking things out of the box. FINN is jealous and it is revealed that at some point in the past she was involved in bullying the boy and trying to destroy his box. FINN is genuinely contrite when faced with the consequences of her actions. The boy forgives her and there is a reconciliation.

synopsis:
Directed by Ian Yeoman
Musical Direction by Daniel Lawrence
Designed by Jill Rolfe
Actors & Actresses featured were Emyr Bell, Enid Gruffudd, Grug Maria, Sior Llyfni, Daryl Shute, Llion Williams

The history of the industrial poisoning of Minamata Bay, and the extraordinary courage of the community who fished its waters, has been the central stimulas in the creation of these new "Theatre in Education" programmes for the young people of Powys. In the course of a full day of theatre and inter-active drama, we will explore with the children the complex and fragile relationship between human culture and nature. A "Theatre in Education" projest for years 5 and 6. Both English and Welsh language.

synopsis:
Directed by Ian Yeoman
Musical Direction by Nia Morgan
Designed by Jill Rolfe
Actors & Actresses featured were Emyr Bell, Kathryn Hodges, Enid Gruffudd, Katie Hiam, Crisian Hunnam

Pillow of Glass is a full day programme combining theatre performance with highly visual and tactile components, original music and opportunities for the children to become actively involved; making their own meaning, as they encounter themes and issues the material raises.

synopsis:
Rhondda Cynon Taf Youth Theatre

synopsis:
Directed by Ian Yeoman
Musical Direction by Daniel Lawrence
Designed by Jill Rolfe
Actors & Actresses featured were Emyr Bell, Hanneke Blower, David Jones, Ian Blower

The Apothecary's Story is a full day, participatory Theatre in Education Programme designed for secondary school students in years 7 to 9. In the course of their day with Theatr Powys the students will explore the matter of Shakespears Romeo and Juliet in a 'hands on' and immediate way - in a manner that will render it meaningful and relevant to them.

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A production by Act Your Age Intergenerational Theatre Group

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Directed by Ian Yeoman
Musical Direction by Daniel Lawrence
Designed by Lucy Bevan
Actors & Actresses featured were Dora Jones, Sior Llyfni, Emyr Bell, Grug Maria

The children participating in "The Little Clay People" will step with the actors into the world of our beginings. In a whole day of story,theatre, music,dance and drama we will explore together who and what we are,how we shape the world and how the world shapes us.

synopsis:
Directed by Ian Yeoman
Designed by Madalaine Millar

The children who participate in this drama will come to know the community. They will confront the two newcomers and their visions. The children will decide the nature if the Picture Writing, providing the answers they don't yet know. A "Theatre in Education" programme for years 4 and 5.

synopsis:
Directed by Louise Osborn
Designed by Andrea Montag

Through the stories and small details of ordinary people's lives, this beautiful play uses poetry,dance and song to tell a deeply moving story of courage,hope and recistance.In it we meet a young child hiding away in the basement of an old theatre in Sarajevo,where she struggles to piece together the fragments of her former life."My Old Jumper" will touch you in a way that distant journalism cannot.
Also toured as a "Theatre in Education" programme for Year 8

synopsis:
Directed by Steve Byrne
Designed by Mark Viner


A new play for children of all ages over 5 years old.
Inspired by the work of artists and sculptors,this brand new play will fuse storytelling,drama and music with highly visual and colourful images in a way which will provide an unusual,exciting and captivating experience for children and adults alike.

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Site-specific investigation of place, identity and tourism

synopsis:
Directed by Ian Yeoman
Musical Direction by Craig Hopkinson
Designed by Allie Saunders
Stage Managed by Paul Howey
Actors & Actresses featured were Catrin Epworth, Nigel Gilkes, Rhian Hefin, Sior Llyfni, Ian Yeoman

Based on the play "Woyzeck" by Georg Buchner.
The young people who join with us to experience this new "Theatre in Education" programme will enter this world directly. Together they will meet the challenge of the future of the child.
Who in the world will embrace responsibility for Maria's Baby?
How will the child grow?
What must the child learn?

synopsis:
Directed by Annette O'Reilly

"The Hunter's Field" is a full day "Theatre in Education" programmw for primary and secondary children aged 9 to 13, setting pupils on a path of discovery through the projects central question-
WHY DO PEOPLE COMMIT ACTS OF EXTREME CRUELTY TO EACH OTHER?
Working through role and frame,the young peiople and Actor/Teachers involved enter the world of Shackleton Military Acadamy.A world where rules and paramount and where cadets can be secure in the knowledege that their success will bring reward and recognition.Yet something is very wrong within the Academy's walls.Child has turned on child.How has this happend?What do the class recommend for the future?

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A lightweight piece on female beauty devised around autobiographical narrative and a sculpture

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Rough Magic was an educational piece to confront issues on bullying for primary school children.

Actors included:
Robert Harper
Philip Michell
Anita Davis

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Based on the stories by T Llew Jones

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Directed by Louise Osborn
Designed by Christine Marfleet

A full day Theatre in Education programme for years 5&6. Framed in the role as 'concerned parents', the participants are invited to dynamically explore the questions contained in this story, to consider the 'suitability' of this material for their age group, and to critically appraise what meaning and relevance the past holds for them in the present.

synopsis:
Inspired by the paintings and sculptures of Picasso, Journey tells the story of an old woman returning to the place where she was born.
Along the way she meets an old sea captain and his friend - a talking bird.

Neither wants anything to do with the other, but soon they come to realise that they must share and co-operate if they want to continue on with their Journey

Journey explores themes which are very real to younger children - friendship, sharing, mutual dependency and creativity.

synopsis:
The fascinating  tale of Sarah Jacob the ‘Welsh Fasting Girl’  set in 19th century West Wales.

Four nurses from Guy’s Hospital were sent down to a small Carmarthenshire village to help solve the mystery of a beautiful child ‘dressed like a bride’ who was attracting nationwide interest with her family’s claim that she was able to live without food or drink. No one really knew what to believe. Was Sarah Jacob a miracle child or was she secretly eating and drinking and if so did someone else know of her secret? What would have happened to Sarah Jacob if no one had ever tried to find out?

In retelling this fascinating story, the play explores various theories which raises questions about the role of medicine and science, religion and faith, innocence and guilt and the need for society to apportion blame.

A revived version of ‘The Watching’ is touring to Secondary Schools from September 28th - November 12th 2004.

synopsis:
Directed by Richard Gough