In a bold move to revive the theatrical landscape in Wales, renowned actor Michael Sheen has spearheaded the creation of the Welsh National Theatre. Sparked by the closure of the National Theatre Wales, Sheen saw an opportunity to fill the void and provide a platform for Welsh talent, both at home and on the international stage.
The company’s inaugural production, a Welsh adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s classic “Our Town,” marks a significant milestone. Transposing the heart of the American play to the Welsh community, the production aims to celebrate the richness of Welsh culture and storytelling. Directed by Francesca Goodridge, the play features a cast of 18 Welsh actors, a rarity in recent years.
Sheen’s vision for the Welsh National Theatre is to “go back to basics” with a company that blends a community focus with grand, global ambition. “We want to attract and build an audience, and use that as an engine to address the more infrastructural problems,” he explains, referring to the challenges faced by Welsh directors and playwrights in accessing larger stages.
The creation of the Welsh National Theatre is a galvanising statement of intent, particularly given the increasing number of theatre closures and funding cuts in Wales. With the country’s cultural spending lagging behind most European nations, Sheen and his team are determined to champion big stories on big stages, challenging the devaluation of the arts.
Alongside “Our Town,” the company’s opening season includes “Owain & Henry,” a new play by Gary Owen, and “Playing Burton,” a tribute to the legendary Welsh actor Richard Burton, directed by Mark Jenkin and starring Matthew Rhys.
“You build upwards,” Sheen says, outlining his plans for the company. “Looking at rediscovering Welsh plays, but also looking for world drama that could be adapted for Wales.”
The decision to launch with “Our Town” was driven by Sheen’s desire to give a larger platform to director Francesca Goodridge, whose work he had admired. “One of the challenges we have in Wales is for Welsh directors to work on main stages,” Sheen explains, highlighting the need to provide more opportunities for Welsh creatives.
As the Welsh cast explores the American play, the fit has felt just right. “I think it’s perfect for a Welsh accent,” Sheen says, “because the language is quite lyrical, quite sing-songy.” The production has also been adapted to incorporate Welsh cultural elements, such as the translation of hymns, creating a unique blend of Welsh and American sensibilities.
With the Welsh National Theatre, Sheen and his team are determined to build talent, belief, and possibility within the Welsh artistic community. “That’s how you create a community,” says Russell T Davies, the show’s creative associate. “That’s how you create ambition for generations to come.”
As the company’s inaugural production takes the stage, it marks the beginning of a new era for Welsh theatre, one driven by Sheen’s unwavering commitment to nurturing and elevating Welsh artistic voices.