Subject: Review: Mametz - National Theatre of Wales
From:
Anne Lister
Date: 26 Jun 14 - 06:38 PM
A heads-up to any 'Catters who might be in or visiting South Wales in the next week/ten days. The National Theatre of Wales has a production running called Mametz which is stunning. The play was written by Owen Sheers and inspired by Mametz Wood, which was the site for part of the Battle of the Somme and in which some 4,000 Welsh soldiers died. It's not quite immersive theatre but close - you are taken up hill, across a field and into some farm buildings where you are witness to various scenes including scenes in the trenches. In due course you are taken into the wood itself. It's probably the most riveting theatre production I've seen and although it doesn't include any folk music as such it's totally inspiring. And also very moving - the tears will come, unless you're some kind of automaton. It's also based on a poem written by David Jones, the artist, and his life and real involvement with Mametz. Also in the conflict were Siegfried Sassoon and Robert Graves. Check out the National Theatre of Wales' website at www.nationaltheatrewales.org/mametz for more details - you need to get yourselves into the countryside near Usk for the performances. We went last night - it will run rain or shine, so book your tickets!
|
sj
