One of Wales’ best known novels, originally published at the height of theCold War over fifty years ago, has been adapted for the stage for the very first time. Cysgod y Cryman (Shadow of the Sickle) by the late Islwyn Ffowc Elis, looks at the fabric of life in rural Wales in the post-second world war period and the novel remained until recently part of the GCSE curriculum. It’s been adapted for the stage by the novelist, dramatist and poet, Siôn Eirian, and is Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru – the Welsh National Touring Company’s next production. “No other Welsh novel has been as widely read as Cysgod y Cryman,” said Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Artistic Director, Cefin Roberts. ”It’s been studied by generations of pupils, has sold more copies than any other Welsh publication, and was voted the greatest Welsh book of the twentieth century,” he added. The plot involves the changes which face a north Powys farming family as age-long traditions are replaced by new political, ideological and social experimentation. Naturally a collision of culture of epic proportions is inevitable. “It’s seems incredible how a novel set in the cold war remains so popular,” added Cefin Roberts, who will direct the stage version. “That’s undoubtedly a sign of great literature,” he said. The stage version of Cysgod y Cryman will set off on a six week tour of Wales’ main theatre venues starting at: Theatr Gwynedd, Bangor - Thursday, Friday and Saturday (matinée and evening performances), February 1-3, 2007. Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen – Tuesday, February 6, 2007. Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea – Thursday and Friday, February 15-16, 2007. Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon – Tuesday and Wednesday, February 20-21, 2007 Sherman Theatre, Cardiff – Friday and Saturday, February 23-24, 2007. Aberystwyth Arts Centre – Tuesday and Wednesday, February 27-28, 2007. Clwyd Theatre Cymru, Mold – Monday, March 5, 2007. Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan – Thursday, Friday, Saturday, March 8-10, 2007. There will also be added performance on April 5, 2007, when Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru travels to London for the first time. Cysgod y Cryman will be staged in the Bloomsbury Theatre which is located near Euston Station. “Our priorities will always lie here in Wales but I believe there is an audience for Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru performances especially in London,” said Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s General Manager, Sion Hughes “It would also give our actors, playwrights and directors a further opportunity to display their talents,” he added. All performances (apart from the Theatr Gwynedd matinée) will be at 7.30pm. The 12-member cast of Cysgod y Cryman will include Llion Williams, Dyfan Roberts, Christine Pritchard, Owen Arwyn, Betsan Llwyd, Carwyn Jones and Owen Garmon. Musician Gareth Glyn has been commissioned to compose musical accompaniment for the production. Although Cysgod y Cryman has been adapted three times before for radio and television this will be the first stage production. Siôn Eirian’s stage adaptation is based on his English translation aired of BBC Radio Four, “The Classic Play” series, which he completed with the full co-operation of the author, Islwyn Ffowc Elis. |
| Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru web site: www.theatr.com |
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Monday, January 15, 2007 |
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