In a bold move, the inaugural production of National Theatre Wales has transposed Thornton Wilder’s iconic American play “Our Town” to the rolling hills of Wales. Directed by Francesca Goodridge and with creative input from Russell T Davies, this production has managed to capture the essence of the original while infusing it with a distinctly Welsh flavour.
Starring the renowned actor Michael Sheen as the “Stage Manager”, the play takes the audience on a journey through the lives of the residents of Grover’s Corners, a small Welsh town. Sheen’s performance is a masterclass in nuance, seamlessly blending mischievousness, earnestness and pathos as he guides us through the town’s daily rituals and the blossoming romance between young George Gibbs (Peter Devlin) and Emily Webb (Yasemin Özdemir).
The production’s visual design, courtesy of Hayley Grindle, is a standout. The sparse, yet evocative set allows the audience’s imagination to fill in the gaps, while the use of props in expressionistic ways adds to the production’s sense of magic and wonder. The play’s physicality and moments of pure theatrical enchantment further enhance the overall experience.
However, the production’s decision to maintain certain American references, such as mentions of the Constitution and the Louisiana Purchase, creates an unreal quality, leaving the audience somewhat unhinged from the play’s new Welsh setting. One yearns for a deeper immersion in the culture and traditions of this Welsh community.
Despite this, the production’s treatment of the town’s “ordinary” residents, such as the brilliantly portrayed town drunk, Simon (Rhys Warrington), serves to highlight the moral lesson at the heart of Wilder’s work – the importance of cherishing the quotidian moments in life before they slip away. While the production may lack the sense of ecstatic uplift found in a classic like “It’s a Wonderful Life,” it nonetheless delivers a heartfelt and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience.
As the production moves from the Swansea Grand to a nationwide tour, audiences can expect to be captivated by this Welsh-inflected take on a timeless American classic.
