At Theatr Pena |
| Theatre Pena- The Royal Bed , The Riverfront and touring , February 13, 2015 |
Llywelyn, the thirteenth century powerful Prince of Gwynedd was married to Siwan, Joan of Wales, daughter of King John of England. Joan may have been born in France. King John had her brought to England in December 1203 in preparation for her wedding. For twenty-five years the marriage appeared to flourish. She was a politically astute woman and a vey helpful adviser to her husband as he fought to extend his powers. A happening in their Royal Bed threw things awry after over twenty years of seemingly happy marriage. This disastrous event is celebrated in the iconic play Siwan by the great Welsh poet and playwright Saunders Lewis written in 1956. Multi-award winning poet and playwright Siôn Eirian’s The Royal Bed emerges from Lewis’ work and gives us the story in a crystal clear language and paints the principal players distinctly in this soft yet dynamic drama. There are many Welsh actors, not all, that work in an almost quiet way that enhances their emotions and underpins the verisimilitude of the language. This is very evident in Eiry Thomas’ powerful and controlled performance as Siwan and captivates us with her well-rounded characterisation. The almost bare stage allows the vital words of the drama to flourish. The on stage, Greek chorus-like presence of Delyth Jenkins’ harp and again, the magnificent singing voice of Buddug Verona James underpin the tight atmosphere of the narrative. Siwan’s lady’s maid Alis, played delightfully by Hannah O’Leary again uses this underplaying technique that defines the beautiful simplicity of her character. She has helped her mistress to prepare for the visit of her lover, the virile young Gwilym Brewys. The shoulder length hair and the feisty playing of Francois Pandolfo make him the perfect passionate young lover. Sadly their lovemaking endeavors are quickly interrupted by the unexpected return of Siwan’s husband Llwelyn. Russell Gomer adopts a more robust approach but his representation of cuckolded male chauvinism is spot on and his characterisation so utterly convincing. Director Erica Eirian moves the play pacely forward in a series of cliff-hanging vignettes. Is everything organised so that Gwilym can get to the Royal bedroom undetected? What will the lovers’ fate be now that Llywelyn has discovered them? What will be the consequences of Llwelyn’s execution of Gwilym? Siwan, with her wise political acumen, has indicated that they can only be bad. What will be the outcome of Llywelyn incarcerating his wife for a year? Each time we are kept on the edge of our seats in quiet anticipation. Siwan agrees to be reunited with her husband. The play ends as Llywelyn restores royal crown of Princess of Gwynedd onto his wife’s head and giving us another crowning success for theatre Pena. |
Reviewed by: Michael Kelligan |
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