Theatr na n'Og |
| Theatr na n'Og- Nia Ben Aur , Theatr Gwynedd , February 17, 2003 |
| WHEN Theatr Gorllewin Morgannwg changed its name to Theatr Na Nog in 2000, the question on everyone's lips was "When will they perform Nia Ben Aur?" For those, like me, too young to remember, Nia Ben Aur was a rock opera (to use the terminology of the time) that was performed at the Carmarthen Eisteddfod in 1974, partly set in the mythical Celtic kingdom of Tir na Nog. Since that night, the show hasn't been performed on stage although the soundtrack is, by now, part of Welsh rock history. The production currently touring Wales is built upon these original songs, but has the welcome addition of new dialogue, courtesy of the playwright Sion Eirian. In recent years, Welsh-language popular culture has tried to attract a younger audience by simply producing second-rate imitations of foreign successes, with a good dollop of the English language thrown in, in an attempt to gain credibility. So it's wonderful to see a show like this, that is based upon a specifically Welsh story, which takes real pleasure in using the richness of the Welsh language to communicate its message. The fact that Theatr Gwynedd sold every seat in the house for two consecutive nights is testament to the fact that this approach can, and does, work. That's not to say that non-Welsh speakers wouldn't enjoy this performance.It features an unusual cast, but one that proves to be well up to the task. Tara Bethan is a natural from the lead role. Neil Williams deserves particular praise for his dual role as the post-apocalyptic circus master and the king of Tir na Nog. In addition to their dramatic performances, the cast - most of whom will be familiar to S4C viewers as character actors in various soaps and dramas - double as the backing band, and hold their own as both actors and musicians. The inclusion of new dialogue enriches the original material, but it is the songs that really make this production worth seeing. Thankfully, the director hasn't seen the need to tamper with these Welsh classics. Admittedly they still sound like 1970s pop-rock songs but that's not a bad thing, in my book - and judging by the audiences who have flocked to this show, it's still a genre that's as popular as ever. |
Reviewed by: Western Mail |
This review has been read 2746 times There are 34 other reviews of productions with this title in our database:
|
