A bold new vision: Michael Sheen's riskiest role yet - saving Wales' theatre scene
In the world of theatre, there's a show that has stood the test of time - Thornton Wilder's 'Our Town', a Pulitzer prize-winning masterpiece. Michael Sheen, the star of an upcoming tour, describes it as a wake-up call, a play that urges him not to waste a single moment.
But this production isn't just about the play; it's a launchpad for something much bigger - the Welsh National Theatre. A project born out of ambition and necessity, it aims to breathe life into the Welsh theatrical ecosystem, which has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
"Opening night will be more than just a play's debut," says Russell T Davies, the show's creative associate. "It's the beginning of something special." This new venture is a bold statement, especially considering the increasing number of Welsh theatres facing cuts and closures. The Welsh National Theatre wants to showcase big stories on grand stages, standing up against the devaluation of the arts in Wales.
Sheen's vision is to "go back to basics" with a company that combines a community focus with global aspirations. He wants to create opportunities for Welsh talent, both at home and internationally, and to expand the Welsh theatrical canon.
The opening season promises an exciting journey. After 'Our Town', the company will present 'Owain & Henry', a new play by Gary Owen, followed by 'Playing Burton', a tribute to the legendary Welsh actor Richard Burton, starring Matthew Rhys.
The decision to launch with 'Our Town' was inspired by Sheen's desire to showcase the talent of Francesca Goodridge, the show's director and artistic director of Cardiff's Sherman Theatre. Goodridge, drawn to large ensemble pieces, saw the potential to transpose Wilder's American classic to Wales, creating a familiar and relatable community.
"You see the everyday moments - mums chatting, kids growing up, the milkman," Goodridge explains. "It's like my hometown." The Welsh cast has embraced the play, finding a perfect fit for their lyrical accents.
Russell T Davies, who has worked with Sheen since his youth, has been instrumental in adapting the play for a Welsh audience, ensuring it resonates with cultural norms. The decision to translate the hymns has been particularly impactful, creating a unique and powerful moment for the Welsh cast and audience.
'Our Town' is more than just a charming play; it's a powerful story about life and the importance of community. Wilder's use of small-town life as a backdrop allows him to tackle harder themes, like the rise of fascism and the suffering of people.
The production's journey is intertwined with the collapse of the former National Theatre Wales, an organization that struggled to find its footing. Sheen, initially hesitant, felt a sense of urgency to act, knowing the challenges of establishing a national theatre in Wales.
"I realized I had to do it," Sheen says. "I can open doors, and I don't need payment." Sheen's commitment to causes he believes in is well-known, and his financial support for this project is a testament to his dedication.
The company's success relies on diverse funding sources, including partnerships with BBC Studios and Bad Wolf. Sheen's instinct to do whatever it takes to make this company a reality is driven by his vision of community and support.
"As we age, we realize we'll need help at some point," Sheen reflects. "Community is about giving and receiving support."
The co-production with the Rose Theatre in Kingston is a key part of the company's strategy, allowing them to produce large-scale shows. Christopher Haydon, the Rose's artistic director, emphasizes the importance of co-production in today's challenging financial landscape for theatres.
'Our Town' opens in Swansea, a city close to Goodridge's heart and Sheen's hometown. The Grand Theatre, without an artistic director, relies on touring shows, making it the perfect starting point for this new company.
The Welsh National Theatre aims to build talent, belief, and possibilities, creating a community that inspires ambition for generations.
'Our Town' is a co-production between the Rose Theatre and the Welsh National Theatre. Catch it at the Swansea Grand Theatre until January 31st, then at the Rose Theatre in Kingston, London, from February 26th to March 28th, with stops at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, and Theatr Clwyd, Mold, along the way.
