A prolific Cardiff-based playwright who takes much of his inspiration from his family’s roots on the slopes of Snowdonia will also direct his latest work that will tour Wales’ main theatre venues next month.
Meic Povey’s black comedy, ‘Tyner yw’r Lleuad Heno‘, is a Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru – the Welsh National Theatre Company – production, which looks at the conflicting emotions that come to light when city dwellers and country folk come together.
“Although Cardiff has been my home for nearly 40 years I keep returning to my upbringing in Nant Gwynant near Beddgelert for ideas,” said Meic Povey, who is one of Wales’ most accomplished radio, stage and television dramatist and scriptwriter.
“And ‘Tyner yw’r Lleuad Heno‘ is no exception,” he added.
In the play a young man living in Cardiff frequents the city’s bars and clubs pining for his home and close ties in Snowdonia. But on his return for a family celebration he discovers a long-buried secret that destroys his
romantic longing and unveils a horrific personal truth.
“There are elements in the play that are quite murky and sinister,” added Meic Povey, who is also renowned actor and best known for his part as Detective Constable Jones in the long-running 1980s television series, “Minder”.
“But there’s also a lot of humour as tragedy and comedy are never far apart in theatre as in life in general,” he said.
The seven member cast of ‘Tyner yw’r Lleuad Heno” includes well- known television and stage actors Owen Arwyn, Ffion Dafis, Owen Garmon, Arwyn Jones, Merfyn Pierce Jones, Tonya Smith and Meic Povey’s sister, Buddug Povey. The set for the production is designed by Gwyn Eiddior Parry, lighting by Nick Mumford and the music composed by Osian Gwynedd.
“I’m looking forward immensely to bringing all these elements together and creating what I sincerely hope will be a memorable theatre experience,” added Meic Povey.
‘Tyner yw’r Lleuad Heno’ will set off on tour in Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre (029 2064 6900) on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, October 8-10, 2009, before going on to:
– Theatr Harlech, Harlech (01766 780667) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, October 14-16, 2009;
– Aberystwyth Arts Centre (01970 623232) on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, October 21-22, 2009;
– Theatr Hafren, Newtown (01686 625007) on Tuesday evening, October 30, 2009;
– Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold (0845 330 3565) on Wednesday and Thursday evenings, November 4-5, 2009;
– Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan (01239 621200) on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, November 11-13, 2009.
Social networking members can follow the ins and outs of the tour as members of the cast and others involved with the production post their views and exlperiences on Twitter (TheatrGenCymru) and Facebook.
“Audience feedback as the tour progresses will be hugely interesing,” said Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Marketing Officer, Elen Jones.
“Instant updates like this will provide our followers with an insight to the production and tour process and allow us to interact with our audience throughout.,” she added.
Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru is supported by the Arts Council of Wales.
