A new adaptation of the iconic story of Nia Ben Aur is this year’s large-scale show at the Rhondda Cynon Taf Eisteddfod Pavilion, and tickets go on sale at 12:00 on Friday 14 June
Angharad Lee, the prominent director, who has worked on several major Eisteddfod projects over the past few years, is bringing the new-look show to the stage. The screenplay was developed in its new form by Bardd Plant Cymru, Nia Morais, and the musical arrangements by Patrick Rimes and Sam Humphreys from Welsh folk band, Calan.
Bethan Mclean plays Nia; she is best known for playing Marged in 'Yr Amgueddfa' (S4C) and Tasha in 'Bwmp', which won an RTS award for S4C earlier this year. Victoria Pugh is the storyteller, and has extensive experience on radio, television and in the theatre, performing regularly with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and Theatr Clwyd.
Osian is played by Gareth Elis, who has performed in productions for the Wales Millennium Centre, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, Cameron Mackintosh, Leeway Productions and others. Ioan Gwyn plays the Boatman, and is a familiar face on S4C, with roles on ‘Pobol y Cwm’, ‘Rownd a Rownd’, and ‘STAD’. Ioan and Victoria recently toured Wales with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru's production of Ionesco's play, ‘Rhinoseros’.
It’s this year’s Eisteddfod choir project, and one of the choir conductors is musician, Osian Rowlands, who’s also the chief executive of the local Menter Iaith in Rhondda Cynon Taf. Osian said, "Being part of a new interpretation of a show, which is so beloved in Wales has been such a great experience for me and co-conductors, Gavin Ashcroft and Elin Llywelyn.
"We were aware of the local connection, as Cleif Harpwood was educated at Ysgol Rhydfelen and we knew that this project would appeal to people of all ages. But I have to say, it was a bit of a shock when almost 400 people came to the first rehearsal in Treforest at the beginning of the year!
"There are lots of non-Welsh speaking singers in our choir this year, and we’re so proud that everyone wants to be part of the Eisteddfod. This project has been a great chance to show everyone that Welsh is so much more than a classroom language. I hope this experience will give our choir members the confidence to use more Welsh from now on.
Elen Elis, Eisteddfod artistic director added, "It’s fifty years since Nia Ben Aur was first performed at the Eisteddfod in Carmarthen. It was an iconic show, and the songs are just as popular today as ever.
"We’re very proud that we’re able to look again at the story in an ambitious production which will appeal to traditional and brand new Eisteddfod audiences.
"Patrick and Sam's music has been arranged for the choir by Richard Vaughan and the songs are perfect for the choir. I’m certain this production will be as iconic as the original, and will bring the classic story to the forefront once again half a century after the original.”
"We’re performing the show twice at the beginning of the week, the first on Saturday night and then again on Monday night. The choir’s also performing during the Cymanfa Ganu on Sunday evening, so they’re going to be very busy during the first half of the week,” added Elen.
Tickets on sale at 12:00 on Friday 14 June. Order through the Eisteddfod website, www.eisteddfod.wales.
Nia Ben Aur is performed on the Pavilion stage on Saturday 3 and Monday 5 August at 20:00. The Eisteddfod is held in Ynysangharad Park, Pontypridd from 3-10 August. For more information go online.
