Live theatre production supported by USW will tour Wales this summer

8 July, 2021

A new Welsh play co-produced by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Os Nad Nawr will be touring venues throughout Wales.

Gwlad yr Asyn will be the first tour for Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru since the Covid-19 pandemic, and is the first ever production for Os Nad Nawr. The show is produced in co-operation with the National Eisteddfod of Wales, and supported by the University of South Wales (USW) and Wales Millennium Centre.

Presented mainly as an open air production, Gwlad yr Asyn combines satire, live music and allegory, telling the story of a unique female donkey who has been brought up in a bungalow, enjoys drinking pop and watching TV! But behind the humour is a sensitive story about grief and abuse, and an opportunity to examine and question our relationship with animals and nature, as well as the political situation in Wales.

With director Steffan Donnelly at the helm, there are three performers in the show: the actor Gwenllian Higginson (Merched Caerdydd, Macbeth, Enid a Lucy, 35 Diwrnod) and composers and musicians Sam Humphreys and Bethan Rhiannon, members of the band Calan. During the presentation, performers will introduce several fascinating characters in a monologue style with live singing. We will also be visiting a number of different locations – from a farm in rural Wales to the seaside, not forgetting the donkey sanctuary, Donkey Land!

Steffan said: “This is a multi-layered play. It’s a love story, an honest conversation, an epic journey, and an electro-folk gig! The artists are truly special, and I’m looking forward to creating a veritable feast of music, stories and fascinating characters with them. I’m sure I speak on behalf of many members of the audience by saying, after the past 15 months I’m really looking forward to some music, a good story and (hopefully!) a drink in the sunshine!”

There’s no doubt that arranging a national theatre tour during a pandemic is a challenge, but both cast and crew are eagerly looking forward to beginning the tour at the Wales Millennium Centre on 10 August before going on to perform in the open air in several other locations throughout Wales during August.

Arwel Gruffydd, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, said: “This cutting play is a perfect combination of humour and satire on the one hand, and a sensitive and warm-hearted journey on the other. I’m very grateful that the company has succeeded – under challenging conditions – to create a series of performances, beginning by presenting the play on a large open stage at the Wales Millennium Centre and followed by open air performances throughout Wales.

“This will be Theatr Genedlaethol’s first piece of live theatre since the beginning of the pandemic, and as the circumstances improve over the summer it will be great to welcome audiences back. It’s a pleasure too to work with a new company, Os Nad Nawr, and to be able to present a new play by one of the recent winners of the National Eisteddfod’s Drama Medal.”

For full details of the tour, and to purchase tickets, go to theatr.cymru/gwladyrasyn.