Michael Sheen & Russell T Davies on the Welsh National Theatre & 'Our Town'

Launching the Welsh National Theatre

• 💡 Michael Sheen, as Artistic Director, launched the Welsh National Theatre, an initiative he has driven for a long time.
• 📌 The launch event was emotional and exciting, bringing together supporters and collaborators to announce the company's first productions.
• 🎭 Initial programming includes a new production of Thornton Wilder's "Our Town" and Gary Owen's new play, "Owine and Henry," based on Owain Glyndŵr.

"Our Town" Production Details

• 🤝 Russell T. Davies collaborated on "Our Town," a play he deeply loves and considers a masterpiece, having known Michael Sheen since youth theatre.
• 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿 The production aims to present "Our Town" through a Welsh lens, transferring the setting to a Welsh town while maintaining the integrity of Thornton Wilder's original work.
• ✨ The play, co-produced with the Rose Theater in Kingston, is described as universal and profoundly moving, encouraging audiences to cherish life and loved ones.

Vision for Welsh Talent & Plays

• 🚀 The Welsh National Theatre aims to invest in future talent in Wales, nurturing generations of writers, directors, and actors.
• ✍️ A key goal is to encourage writers to create "big Welsh plays" that reflect national identity and stimulate important discussions.
• 🌍 The company aspires to be known for world-class productions, including new works, classic revivals, and rediscovering underperformed Welsh plays.

Community & Support

• ✅ Michael Sheen expressed surprise at the overwhelmingly positive reception and support for the company, given the complex history of a national theatre in Wales.
• 👏 Russell T. Davies highlighted the importance of theatre in reaching into the community and awakening the spark in young people, reminiscent of past council-funded youth theatre programs.
• 💖 The initiative is seen as a positive and inclusive story at a time when artistic infrastructure in Wales faces significant challenges and cuts.