Theatr Iolo |
| Theatr Iolo- 'Marcos' and 'The String-man' , Norwegian Church, Cardiff , July 25, 2000 |
| MOST of the recent furore about the Arts Councils controversial new drama strategy centred not on its relations with high-profile companies like Brith Gof or the Magdalena Project or Made in Wales but on the reorganisation of young people's theatre provision - plays rarely seen by adults performed by actors who are hardly household names. Why? Maybe Theatre Iolo's latest shows, Marcos and The String-man, offer some kind of answer. Theatre-in-education (TIE) has long been the jewel in the crown of Welsh theatre and, outside the country, it is companies like Theatr Powys, Spectacle and Arad Goch whose names are known. TIE was the first real form of established theatre in Wales and over 30 years it has developed and matured, which is why so many parents and politicians berated the Arts Council for planning to halve the number of companies. A public showing of Theatr Iolos new plays (at the Norwegian Church in Cardiff Bay) confirms the strength of TIE. It is essentially theatre stripped bare of its pretensions. The Stringman is a short, simple piece for young people with learning disabilities that involves and stimulates: What is he doing, this odd character who collects bits of string? Why is he making a kind of web? Why is he shy? ... questions on one level just about this character, on another about how we make sense of life, about people who are different, about communication. Marcos is also basic: a marvellous one-man performance from Kevin Lewis, who tells the true story of a young Spanish 'wild' boy and the culture clash between a natural life and so-called civilisation. Marcos has played to acclaim in London, Europe and America and indeed it is first-class theatre. If only grown-up theatre were as good. |
Reviewed by: David Adams |
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