"I am thrilled that the Company remains to produce challenging and important work to enrich the lives of so many children and young people. Fantastic!"
Llio Silyn, Actress and co-founder of the Company
Cwmni’r Frân Wen was established in 1984 as part of the activities of Theatr Ardudwy Arts Centre in Harlech. The new Company was formed to provide Theatre in Education projects for the schools of Gwynedd Education Authority, as the county was known at the time. The philosophy from the beginning was to present a high quality, theatrical experience to a classroom of pupils at a time, to be used as an educational tool, and through the medium of Welsh.
25 years later and the Company continues to develop and produce Theatre in Education projects of the highest standard through the medium of Welsh and English and has now expanded its provision to include participatory workshops for children and young people, youth theatre projects and community and main stage productions.
The artistic vision to use the power of theatre to challenge the audience emotionally and motivate them to look at the world from anew remains central to the Company’s philosophy.
In the last 25 years Cwmni’r Frân Wen has reached 250,000 children and young people with 102 productions for primary and secondary schools in Gwynedd, Anglesey and Conwy.
"It’s a privilege to celebrate Cwmni’r Frân Wen’s anniversary and we are proud of its artistic contribution to the lives of children and young people of North West Wales. They are entitled to theatrical experiences of the highest quality and that is the challenge facing the Company in difficult times when the Arts can be under threat. The Arts play an essential role in the emotional, creative, educational and social development of children and young people ensuring a solid foundation to nurture responsible and tolerant citizens in the world today.
Thank you to all the members of staff, actors, technical teams, musicians, directors, dramatists, young people, teachers, supporters, audiences and funders for your contribution to the Company’s success."
Iola Ynyr, Artistic Director, Cwmni’r Frân Wen
In conjunction with its anniversary, the Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Rhodri Meilir as its President.
"I gained much of my education about the power of theatre and its ability to discuss and deal with social and personal issues through Cwmni’r Frân Wen. As a pupil, I benefited from learning the language of theatre by participating in the Writing Scheme and was given the opportunity to create a truly inspiring piece of theatre. I then moved on to work as an actor with the company to experience the direct effect of theatre on young audiences. I wish the Company every success in the next 25 years."
Rhodri Meilir, Actor and President
The company will celebrate its anniversary with special presentation of its work at Galeri Caernarfon on the 17th of November, 2009.
"Cwmni’r Frân Wen’s work is immensely professional and of the highest standard. As Headteacher, it is very reassuring to know that a project is relevant and suitable. The company gives us the opportunity to see the work before visiting the school and they always successfully achieve the perfect combination – an educational performance that appeals to young people"
Dr Brian Jones, Headteacher, Ysgol David Hughes
For more information about the Company visit its new website which will be launched in the next few weeks.
There is no financial value on such excellent theatre. The diversity of the themes the productions discuss is astounding. Congratulations.
Ian Lloyd Hughes, Ysgol Ffridd y Llyn
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