Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru Presents MACBETH at Caerphilly Castle

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, the Welsh-language national theatre of Wales, is set to bring a brand new site-specific production of Macbeth to the magnificent Medieval setting of Wales' largest castle. Adapted in Welsh by the former National Poet of Wales, Gwyn Thomas, one of his very last works before he sadly died in April 2016, this atmospheric new production of Shakespeare's brutal tragedy will be performed in Caerphilly Castle and broadcast live to cinemas across Wales as part of a brand new initiative called Theatr Gen Byw. The production is a key event in the Cadw 2017 Year of the Legends programme.

The cast will be led by Richard Lynch, known for his role as Garry Monk in long running Welsh-language soap Pobol y Cwm, as Macbeth. His previous stage and screen appearances include BBC's Hollow Crown, and Welsh noir detective series Hinterland, and National Theatre Wales' Coriolan/us (2012). Ffion Dafis, star of S4C political thriller Byw Celwydd, takes on the role of Lady Macbeth. Following the success of Chwalfa earlier in the year, which featured members of the local community, the production will feature a community cast from the Caerphilly area.

Director Arwel Gruffydd said, "Macbeth was the first Shakespeare play I encountered, aged 12, and I was immediately captivated by its magic and darkness. It's an honour to direct this splendid translation, the work of my former university professor at Bangor, and a fellow native of Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwyn Thomas. This is the second time that the company has presented his work, having previously produced his translation of Beckett's Endgame, in which I had the privilege of playing the role of Hamm. It was a pleasure to work with Gwyn again, and it is extremely sad that he will not be able to see the fruits of his labour realised on stage and his masterful, poetic translation performed. We warmly present this production in his memory."

The production will be performed in Welsh, with English translation available during all performances at Caerphilly Castle. The second screening of the cinema broadcast at all participating venues will also include English subtitles.

Formerly Associate Director at Sherman Cymru, director Arwel Gruffydd won a Bafta Cymru in 2002 for his work as an actor on the S4C series Treflan, and the DM Davies award at the International Film Festival of Wales for his work as a screenwriter and film director. He has been artistic director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru since 2011, most recently directing Chwalfa (2016) for the company as well as award-winning productions such as Llwyth (Tribe), Blodeuwedd, the site-specific production on The Remains of a Roman hill-fort in Snowdonia, Y Bont, and Y Fenyw Ddaeth o'r Môr, a Welsh translation of Ibsen's The Lady from the Sea.

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru was formed in 2003 with the aim of offering a variety of productions that enrich Wales' theatre culture in all its forms, especially through the medium of Welsh. The company is based in Carmarthen.

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