Love is in the air for members of National Youth Theatre of Wales in premiere of first ever film production
Photo: Kirsten McTernan
National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) premieres their first ever film production, filmed on location throughout Wales
A cast of 14 young actors aged 16-23, from across Wales, perform an epic music-fuelled journey
Screenwriter Hanna Jarman (co-writer on S4C’s Merched Parchus) wrote a specially commissioned script inspired by the ensemble cast
An epic musical score includes a brand new song by singer-songwriter Kizzy Crawford
A co-production between NYTW and Theatr Clwyd, the production will be available to stream online from Theatr Clwyd’s website on Friday 1 – Saturday 9 October.
A cast of 14 young members of National Youth Theatre of Wales go on an epic music-fuelled journey this October, as their digital production of Y Teimlad | That Feeling is streamed online.
In the plot, inspired by the ensemble cast and written by screenwriter Hanna Jarman, the world of ancient Love Gods collides with the reality of love in present day Wales. The vibrant, bilingual mash-up of film and theatre, with a smattering of psychedelic zoom, weaves together the stories of the young characters as they celebrate and re-define what love can be.
The title of the film is taken directly from the beautifully raw 90s song Y Teimlad by the seminal Welsh band Datblygu - and the original recording features in the production, alongside a new version inspired by the cast members, and complimented with the brand-new commission from singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford. The sad and untimely death of the band’s lead singer David R Edwards meant that the re-imaging of the themes by a new generation of young Welsh artists was bitterly poignant.
Hanna Jarman is herself an alumnus of National Youth Theatre of Wales, and was delighted to return to NYTW:
“Being part of NYTW again, 15 years after I joined the first time (as a member in 2006 and 2008) is an incredible privilege. I always say that it was the start of my career as an actor, and it’s also where I met Mari Beard, my co-writer who I work with now on a variety of projects.
“Following discussions with the cast they were really keen on performing something that was fun and specifically not about the pandemic! I really enjoyed that challenge and what better subject to discuss than love?”
It’s the fourth collaboration between NYTW and Theatr Clwyd in recent years, and with Hannah Noone, they have shaped the vision for an ambitious and entertaining theatrical film production, streamed online by Theatr Clwyd, that has focused on the skills performers need for acting for the screen – in both English and Welsh.
“Who said you need a stage to make theatre” NYTW member
The digital production is the first full production NYTW has performed under social distancing guidance. It was clear that the creative team have wanted to fully embrace a digital filmed format instead, allowing a greater platform for responding to the needs and voices of the young performers. For many of the performers, it was the first time acting in front of a camera, helping to boost their experience and skills as versatile artists.
“Had a great time and experience. It helped me so much with the film side of acting and doing a music video was crazy!” NYTW member
“It has really helped me experience different sides of acting, and the experience of acting in front of camera. It has been a blast and I've loved every second. I can't wait for the film, it's going to be amazing!” NYTW member
The collaborative approach of working with the performers was developed further with Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford, who was commissioned to write a brand-new love anthem for our times for the production Cymaint o Liwiau (So many colours) that features in a celebratory 80’s style video choreographed by Matteo Marfoglia.
Under the creative eye of filmmaker Nico Dafydd, filming took place in Covid-secure shoots in locations across Wales, ranging from panoramic vistas of the mountains and sea in Bangor, the poignant emptiness of the iconic main stages at Theatr Clwyd and Sherman Theatre, to the streets and sounds of Cardiff’s Cathays, City Centre and Butetown. Interspersed with these scenes is some highly innovative remote filming from every corner of Wales. There’s even a smattering of psychedelic zoom sessions featuring some squabbling ancient Love Gods whose meetings are elevated by the design of beautiful costumes created for the production by designer Jacob Hughes, fresh from designing at Shakespeare’s Globe’s production of Romeo and Juliet.
“I worked alongside with some amazing and passionate artists and talented cast and the most ambitious group of people I have ever met” NYTW member
Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director, Tamara Harvey, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with National Youth Theatre of Wales on ‘Y Teimlad / That Feeling’, a bold new hybrid theatre/film project written by the astonishing playwright Hannah Jarman. National Youth Theatre of Wales is an important and innovative organisation who have provided a vital stepping-stone for young Welsh performers for over 40 years. This co-production will help create a showcase for some of Wales’ most promising emerging talent.”
Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “Despite the challenges of working during the Covid pandemic, we’ve been working hard to give all of our young members exciting performance opportunities – and this ambitious new commission in English and Welsh is just one example. With some of Wales’s most exciting talent involved in the production, I can’t wait to see what the final results are on screen.
“Our young members have made it clear to us just how important these performances are to them, and we know they can be proud of this epic production for screen, as they progress in their acting careers.”
The project is just part of NYTW’s 2021 season Maniffest. This year-round programme of commissions, collaborations and new creative initiatives demonstrate what empowers young people, and to showcase Wales as young people see it in the 21st century – a vibrant, diverse and bilingual country with a strong artistic voice.
For more information about National Youth Theatre of Wales, visit www.nyaw.org.uk
The production is available to stream on selected dates between Friday 1 and Saturday 9 October. A 24-hour streaming pass costs £5 (£3 access rate, £10 supporter rate). To book tickets, visit www.theatrclwyd.com
