Theatr na n'Og |
| Theatr na n'Og- Nia Ben Aur , Taliesin Arts Centre, Swansea , February 28, 2003 |
| The acid test for this colourful production of the classic Welsh rock opera, first performed at the National Eisteddfod in Carmarthen in 1974, is whether a theatregoer - or indeed a reviewer - with no knowledge of the Welsh language is able to follow the storyline and enjoy the show. So does it pass the test? Well, oddly enough it does: while the intricacies of the dialogue are irretrievably lost to those who have no understanding of Welsh, English synopsis sheets are freely available so it is possible to follow the plot, albeit in a hazy and undefined fashion. In a nutshell, anyone who is able to interpret the complexities of a physical theatre production should have no problem in appreciating this: think of it as a foreign film without the benefit of subtitles, and you are already half way there. To borrow a phrase from movie director Tim Burton, this is best regarded as a "re-imagining" of the original show rather than a remake or a revival: while the songs have remained intact - and very 1970s they are, too(one number even bears distinct echoes of the Bee Gees' disco anthem Stayin' Alive, which was composed by the Brothers Gibb some three years after this musical fantasy was first staged) - Sion Eirian's script is entirely new and uses the lyrical quality of the language to great effect. Those who despair at the way in which the purity of the Welsh language has been chipped away in recent years will undoubtedly derive great pleasure from the commitment of the cast - which includes Phylip Harries, Tara Bethan, Neil Williams and Ffion Wilkins - and the singular vision of director Geinor Jones. For those whose sole experience of Theatr N'a N'óg is their reputation for theatre in education - i.e. children's shows such as Angel and Gluscabi - this ambitious production will come as something of a surprise. The show has been attracting large and appreciative audiences throughout its tour, proving that even at a time when American pop culture reigns supreme, there is a massive appetite for entertainment which credits its target audience with intelligence and respect for the mother tongue. |
Reviewed by: Graham Williams |
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