Caernarfon based Theatr Bara Caws are set to tour the length and breadth of Wales in March and April with their latest production.
“I stood on Dolgellau bridge, feasting my eyes on the unparallelled beauty of my native land…”.
This is the final sentence of John Elwyn Jones’s autobiographical novel, Pum Cynnig i Gymro, after finally returning home, having attempted to escape five times from German POW camps during World War Two.
John Elwyn was a poor farmer’s son who left school at 14.
Little did he know that when he joined the army six months prior to the onset of war, that his adventures would take him the length and breadth of Nazi Europe, from the bloody battles of France to the slopes of Checkoslovakia, from the interminable cold of Poland to being incarcerated in the ballast tank of a Swedish ship and freedom.
The renowned actor and scriptwriter Dyfan Roberts, who has himself adapted the novel for stage, will be portraying the older John Elwyn.
He was also brought up in Dolgellau.
“I’ve talked to many people who knew John Elwyn to try to form a clear picture in my head as to what spurred him on. The Autobiography Of An Impulsive Man – that’s the sub-title of his series of autobiographies, and this adventurous, impulsive bravery is integral to the show,” says Dyfan.
Performing alongside the experienced actor will be Meilir Rhys Williams, from Llanuwchllyn, who will be portraying the ‘hero’ as a young man.
Dyfan was a founder member of Theatr Bara Caws in 1976, and is thrilled to be working with the company once again. This is Meilir’s first time with the Company.
On March 12 and 13, Theatr Bara Caws will be at Theatr Fach Dolgellau; Saturday, March 14, at Theatr John Ambrose, Rhuthun; Tuesday, March 17 at Neuadd Betws y Coed; Wednesday, March 18, Ysgol Moelwyn, Blaenau Ffestiniog; Thursday, March 19, Neuadd Llanegryn; Friday, March 20, Neuadd y Banw, Llangadfan; Saturday, March 21 at Neuadd Llanuwchllyn, near Y Bala; Tuesday and Wednesday, March 24 and 25, Galeri, Caernarfon; Thursday, March 26, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli; Friday, March 27, Ucheldre Centre, Holyhead; Saturday, March 28, Theatr Twm O’r Nant, Denbigh; Monday, March 30, Theatr Fach, Llangefni; Tuesday, March 31, Neuadd Ogwen, Bethesda.
And on April 1 and 2 at Theatr Clwyd, Mold – Studio 2; Tuesday, April 7, Theatr Felinfach; Wednesday and Thursday, April 8 and 9, Neuadd Llanofer, Cardiff; Friday, April 10, Neuadd Bronwydd, Carmarthen, and finally on April 11, Canolfan y Celfyddydau, Aberystwyth.
For more information about the tour visit: wwwtheatrbaracaws.com or contact Linda or Mari on 01286 676335.
