Is there such a thing as pure selflessness or is it all just disguised self-interest? The Welsh language play Dim Diolch (No Thanks), which tours North Wales in October and November, follows the remarkable life story of George Price, the self-taught American scientist who became the first person to express selflessness in a mathematical equation. Llanfairpwll born actor Carwyn Jones is to star in the new play, produced by Menai Bridge’s Cwmni’r Frân Wen, which also features Caernarfon’s Martin Thomas and Old Colwyn’s Ceri Elen. Several years before he presented his altruism equation, George Price had made a number of extraordinary contributions to evolutionary biology, a field in which he had no training. Educated as a chemist, Price had worked on uranium enrichment, helped develop radiation therapy for cancer and invented computer-aided design with IBM. Dim Diolch is written by Iola Ynyr, Cwmni Fran Wen’s Artistic Director, and will be directed by Ffion Haf. Ynyr said: “When I heard his story it struck me – ‘why had I never heard of this amazing, inspirational and complex character?’ – I instantly started to put it down on paper and the more I researched, the more amazing things I discovered. “In the play we wrestle with George’s theory and thoughts which will invite us all to examine our own understanding of acts of kindness in these austere times – what does rule us, is it our genes or own free will?” In 1970s London, a matter of months after he presented his equation, George Price abandoned his career in a mission to shelter and comfort homeless alcoholics and ultimately falls victim to his own theories. At the age of 52, driven mad by the implications of his own research, he took his own life, stabbing himself in the throat. Price’s character is played by Cardiff based actor Carwyn Jones, 33, who is originally from Llanfairpwll, Anglesey. Carwyn said: “Like the majority of people, I’d never heard of George Price but when I read the script I was amazed. He was years ahead of his time and a true genius in his field but never received the recognition he deserved, let’s not forget that this is a man who influenced the atom bomb, cancer radiation therapy and computer aided design! He added: “As we explore the story behind the man, his work and the motives behind kindness, we get a clear picture of this complex and multi-layered personality. Playing a character such as George is a dream for me as an actor.” The tour of ‘Dim Diolch’, will take place from 21 October – 28 November 2013. Tickets 01248 715 048 or www.franwen.com. |
| Fran Wen web site: www.franwen.com |
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Monday, October 21, 2013 |
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