http://nanog.swede.local/en/ feed_description en matt@viewcreative.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-01-19T13:31:19+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/q-a-with-the-boss http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2012/01/19/q-a-with-the-boss#When:13:31:19Z Theatr na n'Og's artistic director bears her artistic soul. Theatr na n'Og's artistic director bears her artistic soul.  What was your first theatrical experience?  Watching my mam from side of stage in Quietly flows the Usk for the PTA for the welsh school in Merthyr, still to this day not sure if it was a comedy, but there was a lot of laughing onstage! Why did you decide to work in the arts?  I suppose I just fell into it really, I've always wanted to do something creative- I suppose I wanted to make films but I was given the wrong career advice, and after taking a year out (when it was not fashionable to take a year out) I got a place in RWCMD, it was a fluke really, nothing was planned. What was your first job in the arts?  Stage manager of the Bacchae for Dalier Sylw Who most inspires you in the arts and why?  At the moment it’s a close call between Matthew Bourne for such brilliance in direction and infectious entertainment and John Lasseter for creating Pixar. But then there has to be Gareth Malone who inspires people's passion to sing. Amazing!   If you could give one piece of advice to those starting out or wanting a career in the arts what would it be?  Work hard, learn, work hard, be nice, work hard and do not take it for granted. Unlike education, working in the arts is a privilege not a right.     2012-01-19T13:31:19+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/what-does-a-theatre-company-get-up-to-between-shows http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/12/19/what-does-a-theatre-company-get-up-to-between-shows#When:10:38:53Z Well...Well... Similarly to the familial meet ups we all engage in over Christmas we took to the road and went a-visiting. Firstly we travelled up to Theatr Clwyd, Mold to listen to a selection of speakers at the Wales Arts Marketing Symposium; they were all fantastic but Andrew McIntyre from Lateral Thinkers was particularly inspiring. Then we were invited to attend the Welsh language Marketing meet up organised by Creu Cymru and held at Arad Goch (lovely building) and finally we enrolled on a two day event with Sheffield Doc/Fest called ‘Convergence Catalyst’ in the incredible Brangwyn Hall.  So what have we learnt?  Quite a lot actually.  But to put it briefly (after all we've got Christmas shopping to do) the future is most definitely social! More talking, more supporting, more engaging with companies and audiences alike.  And just to get the ball rolling…if you ever want to let us know what you think or even just send us a Christmas message, fill out the comment box below, send us an email, follow us on twitter or like us on facebook. We would love to hear from you and have a chat.  But before we sign off for 2011: to all of you that have laughed, cried and enjoyed the storytelling with us this year, an enormous, heartfelt thanks. Hope to see you all in 2012.    Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda. Oh and one last thing...click here!         2011-12-19T10:38:53+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/a-story-needed-to-be-told-enters-its-final-week. http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/11/15/a-story-needed-to-be-told-enters-its-final-week.#When:10:11:43Z Following a successful run at the Dylan Thomas Theatre, the cast and crew of The Arandora Star prepare to bid farewell. By the end of November, Arandora Star will have performed to over 5,000 people.  Being a story that is close to so many hearts, we knew from the outset that the retelling of the tragedy would have to be approached with sensitivity and empathy. Despite the mass of paperwork, newspaper articles and video footage we made our way through, nothing compared to the wonderful first hand guidance we received from Paulette Pelosi, whose Grandfather was one of the few survivors from the ill fated ship. It was Paulette who led us through the emotional as well as the practical consequences of Churchill’s decision to ‘collar the lot’.     One survivors desperately tragic account describes men floating in the freezing cold water, the ship disappearing beneath the dark waters and hope fast disappearing with it…with only one word being called out…’Mama.’ For us, we can only express our sincere gratitude at the support and warmth we have received throughout this project, in the hope that Theatr na n'Óg have contributed in some way to keeping the story and the memory of those lost, alive.   Below is some of the wonderful feedback we have received, most of which believe like us, that the tragedy of the Arandora Star cannot be forgotten.  ‘It was especially poignant to us, my husband’s grandfather was lost on the Arandora Star along with his uncle: Francesco Dambrosio and Sylvestra Dambrosio. A fantastic insight into this story for the children of Wales. It should never be forgotten.’ Sheridan Mills, Swansea.  ‘A remarkable and truly moving performance of a truth needed to be told. Beautifully done and credit to everyone who made it possible.’ Robert Rhodes.  ‘An amazing depiction of the history of the times that surrounded the tragedy. Even though Italian – Welsh myself, I had no relatives on the ship but was moved to tears more than a few times during this very authentic performance. The sinking scene itself was literally ‘chilling’ – allowed me to sample a fraction of the fear that must have ensued.’ Nesta Casetta-Wyer.  ‘Brilliant production, gave me an insight to my past that I didn’t realise had happened, and I was humbled. Thank you. We must never forget.’ Leila Jones.    2011-11-15T10:11:43+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/dancing-in-the-aisles http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/11/03/dancing-in-the-aisles#When:16:15:01Z As Salsa! comes to a stand still...Salsa our Welsh language rom com for the stage has been shaking its sequined stuff all over Wales for the past few weeks and it has to be said the response has been incredible.  The show originally opened in Theatr Stiwt, Rhosllanerchrugog during the week of Eisteddfod 2011, where we had fantastic audiences who entered into the spirit of the play with sangria, tapas and after show dancing. The enthusiasm for the characters and the play itself has carried on throughout the tour with fantastic feedback from the likes of Nia Roberts (Radio Cymru) and Gruffudd Owen (Barn).  By the time we reached the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff last month the 400 seats placed on the Donald Gordon stage (the first time for a Welsh language production) were practically sold out. But something extra special happened in Cardiff. Whilst in preproduction and knowing we were going to perform on this world famous stage,  Ceri James our Creative Producer had a spark of inspiration. He suggested that at the moment Wayne Needy (our shimmering hero) fantasises about performing in front of millions, the star cloth enclosing our performance space should fly out and reveal the Donald Gordon auditorium beyond. This was a little piece of theatrical genius, or as Mr James would say ‘serendipity!’  And that evening, as the cloth was lifted there were gasps to be heard all around, and a flitter of applause because in all honesty it really was a surprise and genuinely looked breathtaking.   Wayne Needy has also been very busy on twitter befriending the likes of Russell Grant, Alex Jones and Leslie Phillips. To be fair, Russell Grant has been incredibly supportive of Wayne, sending him regular direct messages and motivating him to keep dancing. Which is why Theatr na n’Og believe ‘RUSSELL TO WIN STRICTLY!’  But for us and Salsa! we are almost at the end of our run with only Ystradgynlais and Porthcawl to go, so grab your chance, your partners, friends and family and give yourselves a great night out!  One more thing...  ‘’you would have to be in possession of a heart of steel not to be touched by such a tender story...I urge you all to go and see it...I can’t praise it enough...’ Gruffudd Owen It’s no wonder we’re dancing in the aisles.   p.s No one puts na n'Óg in a corner!    2011-11-03T16:15:01+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/wall-of-ideas http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/10/04/wall-of-ideas#When:13:31:57Z As we re-embark on our Salsa journey, Geinor reflects on the process of writing and directing the rhythmic piece.   Tomorrow I start re rehearsing Salsa, after our intensive rehearsal in July, and the show at the 'Steddfod, it's time to relight the fire! Maggie(Rawlinson) started today with a day long dance session, it feels like deja vu as the actors go through each of the dances. It's all quite laid back and fun as they remember the routines. Conversations drift from summer holidays to Strictly! I'll reblock some scenes for the different venues tomorrow, trying hard not to unravel the knitted vest too much. I have loved this show. In my office the wall of ideas are stuck on the wall still, reminding me of the structure and the thoughts behind the play in the first place. Can't quite take them down yet not until November 4th when the tour finishes in Porthcawl. I've wanted to do a dance show since 98, and then started formulating the ideas in 2010, with a lovely group of people- Viv, Phyl, Dan and Geraint and then writing it in one month in January. I loved this time, felt like a proper writer, going to a room facing a wall of ideas, and scenarios, and getting stuck time and time again, until Blake Snyder entered the room, telling me tales of saving the cat, and laying pipe! Then as the deadline loomed, I sent drafts to Eric, Jeremi, Dan and Phyl for feedback, notes and jokes, some good, some really good! Damn them! I have such fond memories of that month just after Christmas, that it almost seduced me to become a writer full time and then I glance at the wall of ideas, and I walk out of the room, close the door and enter the rehearsal room.   2011-10-04T13:31:57+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/prepared-to-be-hired-rocks-out http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/09/22/prepared-to-be-hired-rocks-out#When:10:45:59Z Making careers advice enthralling - we hope! Every once in a while, we in the office get a day trip out. And last week we were sent to Coleg Morgannwg to see, support, enjoy ‘Prepared to be Hired’. Now Sara Lewis who wrote the piece, along with Dion Davies and Jak Poore who are the actors involved, have pretty much been left to their own devices to deliver something that inspires and motivates young people into taking their future working prospects seriously. It’s a short two hander that is funny, informative and full of lively honesty. As one student put it: ‘I’ve had a couple of years careers advice and this has been the best so far’. If you don’t believe us you can listen to him(as well as others) on our audioboo page. I know we work for na n’og and we are bound to sing their praises but honestly those three know how to ‘rock out’ on the most pragmatic of subjects. I mean how many of us have had careers advice via Bohemian Rhapsody? Anyone? No, we didn’t think so. Angela Parry from EBP Wales also gave them a hand. Introducing the students to certain helpful tips and pointers on applying for work, such as ‘photocopy your application form as soon as you get it, that way you can practice on the photocopies before filling out the real one’: a simple and practical suggestion that preceded the all singing, all dancing ones from Dion and Jak.    The point is looking for work or deciding what to do in life isn’t easy. But we believe that at the very least ‘Prepared to be Hired’ injects the whole process with liveliness, energy and humour.     Theatr na n’Og       2011-09-22T10:45:59+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/more-than-a-hat-trick http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/09/08/more-than-a-hat-trick#When:14:27:32Z This month we have hit a personal record! It’s all go for team na n'Óg as we seem to have unwittingly scored better than a hat trick over the last month.  That is, since the 5th of August we have performed no less than four different shows in five different settings.  It all began with Salsa, our Welsh language show that opened during Eisteddfod 2011 in The Stiwt, Rhosllanerchrugog.  We managed to squeeze one performance of You should ask Wallace on the Eisteddfod maes before taking a huge geographical leap and performing it at the astounding and magical Natural History Museum, London, where it has to be said the staff and audiences were wonderful.  At the beginning of this week Arandora Star opened at The Dylan Thomas Theatre, Swansea with one audience member coming out and declaring ‘Absolutely flipping marvellous’ to our delight obviously.  And last but in no way least, Prepared to be Hired began it’s two week tour of schools and colleges where the students taking part have been amazingly positive and responsive.  So over the last month we have been storytelling in an old miner’s institute, on a muddy field, in a prestigious museum, in a beloved theatre and in numerous schools and colleges.  We think that’s a good month’s work done!  And on it goes…       2011-09-08T14:27:32+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/turning-italianruths-blog http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/08/25/turning-italianruths-blog#When:07:29:33Z One of our lovely actresses, Ruth Lloyd shares a little on the acting journey.   Playing a Welsh Italian with such an important story to tell has filled me with both dread and excitement. I really want to get it right so I was delighted to find that Theatr na n’Ôg had arranged for us to meet Paulette Pelosi- a real Welsh Italian, who holds the tragedy of the Arandora Star close to her heart, and for us as actors, holds the key to unlocking the truth behind the characters. Paulette was everything I wanted her to be and more. She is an elegant Italian lady ‘La Bella Figura’ (immaculately dressed) and bursting with exciting stories of Welsh Italian life and customs. She held our attention throughout her tales and anecdotes with her lively descriptions and sharp sense of humour. She really gave us an insight into the real lives and emotional journeys of the characters. The most moving part of the time spent with Paulette was when we visited the house which was once her Grandparent’s shop. As we stood on the doorstep with Paulette and recreated her family photos, I have to admit, I had a few tears in my eyes. What a wonderful time we had with a truly wonderful lady. Ruth Lloyd (Carmela)   2011-08-25T07:29:33+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/wallace-at-the-natural-history-museum http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/08/24/wallace-at-the-natural-history-museum#When:14:32:25Z The wonders of the Natural History Museum and Wallace.   Arriving at the natural history museum this morning proved to me that to have power you must have a clipboard! Having said that all security staff were so lovely to us.  Joanna Yeung met us to take us through the museum to the performance space. It's brill walking through this great building before it opens to the public.Just like A Night At The Museum.  We have been allocated the crustacean gallery or crab room to you and me, to perform our show and its perfect, great acoustics. Chris the technician is a lovely cheery bloke, and once he has set us up, he gives us a health and safety briefing, which amounts to "just use your common sense". I love it! We rehearse and change a few bits and pieces. But by 11.30 we are done.  So off we go to see the Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies just hover around you. Truly magical, and so beautiful. It's such a shame we don't see as many of these amazing creatures these days. After a short walk (and I mean short) back to our fab accommodation at the impressive Imperial College, I get an email saying that George Beccaloni, the curator of the Wallace Collection at the NHM, will be attending the performance tomorrow, with Jan his wife and Charles Smith, the world expert on Alfred Russel Wallace. Oh my god now I've got butterflies! Geinor Styles     2011-08-24T14:32:25+00:00 http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/ms-lewis-quick-turn-around http://www.theatr-nanog.co.uk/en/blog/2011/08/23/ms-lewis-quick-turn-around#When:12:20:14Z Arandora Star's assistand director takes a moment to reflect. This time a fortnight ago, I was surrounded by a whirl of sequins; this week, the smell of moth balls and the sound of World War II pathe news reels. Yes. I have left the world of 'Salsa' momentarily and travelled back in time to 1940. June 1940 to be exact and our location this time is Swansea. ‘The Arandora Star’ is our new Autumn show and will be seen by 5000 school children during its run between September and the end of November. The play, written by Geinor Styles and Mali Tudno Jones, follows the story of Lina, the only daughter of Guido and Carmela Fulgoni who run an Italian café in Swansea, until the fateful night when their lives, like the lives of many other Welsh Italians at the time, would change forever.  So here we are. In rehearsals with a week until we move down, lock stock and barrel (and a ukulele) to the Dylan Thomas Theatre in Swansea.  Italian accents are being perfected, shoes and costumes fitted, mattress covers sewn (good job Geraint Chinnock!), sets being built, ukuleles and trumpets at the ready, World War news footage found, bikes being ridden, suitcases collected, pipes smoked…or not…toast burnt, and somewhere in the middle of it all an amazing story of tragedy and fortitude shared. Sara Lewis Assistant Director 2011-08-23T12:20:14+00:00