A bold vision for Wales' theatrical future: Michael Sheen's risky, ambitious endeavor
In the world of theater, there's a timeless classic that has never ceased to captivate audiences since its inception in 1938 - Thornton Wilder's 'Our Town'. This Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpiece has a profound impact on its readers, leaving them with a renewed sense of purpose. Michael Sheen, the star of an upcoming touring production, shares his experience, stating, "Every time I read it, I feel awakened, with an urgent desire not to waste this opportunity."
But here's where it gets intriguing: Sheen is not just bringing 'Our Town' to life; he's using it as a launchpad for an even more ambitious project - the Welsh National Theatre.
"Opening night will be more than just a play's premiere; it will mark the beginning of a marvelous journey," says Russell T Davies, the show's creative associate. And he's not alone in his enthusiasm; this new venture is a bold statement of intent, especially considering the challenging times for theaters in Wales, with many facing cuts and closures.
The Welsh National Theatre aims to bring big stories to grand stages, standing against the devaluation of the arts. Recent reports reveal a stark reality: Wales spends less on culture than almost every other European nation, with only Greece spending less. This has led to the closure of beloved institutions like the National Theatre Wales, Welsh National Opera, Theatr Clwyd, and Theatr Na nÓg.
Enter the Welsh National Theatre, a company fueled by a desire to create opportunities for Welsh talent on a global scale and to expand the Welsh canon. Sheen explains his vision, "I wanted to go back to basics, combining a community focus with grand ambitions. We aim to attract and build an audience, using it as a catalyst to address infrastructural issues, like directors getting opportunities to work on bigger stages and playwrights writing the plays they truly want."
The new company's opening season showcases this vision with 'Our Town', followed by 'Owain & Henry', a new play by Gary Owen. This co-production with the Wales Millennium Centre stars Sheen as Owain Glyndŵr, a 15th-century Welsh separatist, and also features Matthew Rhys leading 'Playing Burton', a tribute to the great Welsh actor Richard Burton.
Sheen's plans for the company involve rediscovering Welsh plays and adapting world drama for Wales. He believes in building upwards, creating a platform for Welsh talent.
The idea to start with 'Our Town' came from a desire to showcase the work of Francesca Goodridge, the show's director and artistic director of Cardiff's Sherman Theatre. Sheen explains, "In Wales, directors often work in studio spaces, which limits the stories we tell. We need to give them a chance to work on main stages."
Goodridge, drawn to large ensemble pieces, saw the essence of Wilder's Grover's Corners as a perfect fit for Wales. "It's about ordinary life, the routines, and the familiar. It feels like home," she says. Growing up in Fforestfach, Swansea, Goodridge understands the community spirit.
As the Welsh cast explored the American play, the connection felt natural. Sheen believes the lyrical, sing-songy language of 'Our Town' suits a Welsh accent perfectly. Davies, who directed Sheen in his youth, has worked with the Wilder estate to adapt the play for a Welsh idiom, preserving its essence while making it culturally relevant.
One significant decision was to translate the hymns, allowing the Welsh cast to sing as a choir. "It gives me goosebumps," Goodridge says. With a cast of 18 Welsh actors, this show is a rare and wonderful celebration of Welsh talent.
'Our Town' can be misread as twee, but Sheen emphasizes its muscular storytelling. "Wilder uses small-town life to tell a powerful story. It's about the details we miss, the ordinary moments that make life extraordinary."
The play's production coincides with the collapse of National Theatre Wales, leaving a void in Welsh theater. Sheen, feeling a sense of emergency, decided to take action. "I realized I had to do it. I can open doors, and I don't need payment."
Sheen's clarity of vision and community-focused approach are evident in his actions. He believes in helping others and creating opportunities, as he has done with his recent donation to pay off debts for people in South Wales.
The co-production with the Rose Theatre in Kingston is another example of Sheen's vision, modeled on the success of 'Nye'. Christopher Haydon, the Rose's artistic director, emphasizes the importance of co-production in today's challenging financial landscape for theaters.
'Our Town' will open in Swansea, a place that feels like home to Goodridge and Sheen. "When you read a play, you read it in your accent, seeing your community. This has always been a Swansea town in my mind," Goodridge says.
The Welsh National Theatre aims to build talent, belief, and possibilities, creating a community and ambition for generations. As the show tours Wales, it embodies this vision, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and the theatrical landscape.
And this is the part most people miss: it's not just about the play; it's about the powerful impact theater can have on a community and a nation. So, what do you think? Is this a risky move or a brilliant strategy? Let's discuss in the comments!
