MOUNTAIN, SAND & SEA, Opens at the National Theatre Wales Today, June 25

For Mountain, Sand & Sea, a new work conceived and curated by acclaimed Welsh artist Marc Rees, with a company of Welsh and International Artists, will be staged in church halls and up hills, on beaches, benches and bridges in Barmouth, for the fourth production in the inaugural season of National Theatre Wales, from 25th June.

This summer, treat yourself to the most extraordinary seaside trip ever. Meet glamorous usherettes, blind harpists, swarthy sea captains and resurrected elephants. Wander up historic hills and sneak into smoke filled discos. Be greeted by artists from around the world, as you discover what makes Barmouth a place like no other.

Curated by leading Welsh Artist, Marc Rees, For Mountain, Sand and Sea takes the stories of a seaside town - the memories, anecdotes and reflections of its inhabitants - and transforms them into an evocative creative experience. Part art installation, and part adventure playground; bring your walking boots and your waterproofs, or let us know if you need to opt for a gentler alternative.
For Mountain, Sand and Sea will be an immersive journey in response to the unique characteristics of Barmouth; its extraordinary setting and the vivid historical pictorial archive that has been collected by the local community.

This collection will act as a catalyst to draw stories from, and accumulate an oral history of the town. These personal anecdotes, memories and reflections will then be re-imagined and allocated to the artists to bring them to life.

The event will begin with a social sculpture animating this archive. The audience will then be guided to strategic places; sites; buildings and corners that connect with the archive and stories to encounter short performances by the artists.

Participants are advised to bring suitable attire for the unpredictable weather. Sturdy walking boots will be required for walking on uneven ground. For those unable to partake in the more demanding route, an alternative experience will be offered.

Participating artists will include: Benedict Anderson, GaretH Clark, Holly Davey, Marega Palser, Marc Rees, Cai Tomos, Guillermo Weickert and members of the local community.

Marc Rees' artworks are known for their flamboyant, humorous and often extreme interpretations of history, culture and personal experience. In addition to working with some of Britain's foremost physical theatre companies (Brith Gof, Earthfall and DV8) his own body of work through his company RIPE (Rees International Projects Enterprise) has been premiered throughout Europe and the UK. He recently won the Wales bid for the Cultural Olympiad project ‘Artists Taking the Lead', for which he will transport the fuselage of a DC9 aeroplane across Wales as a mobile art space.
Benedict Anderson is an Australian born practitioner working in architecture, film, dance
dramaturgy and scenography. He has designed for ballet, opera and contemporary dance and
collaborated on projects with RIPE, Good Work Productions and independent choreographers.
He has taught in architecture and design since 1994 holding a diversity of positions in Europe and Australia. He is an associate partner in the Berlin based firm Thinkbuild Architecture and has recently undertaken an urban redevelopment design strategy for the UK based Highway's Agency.GaretH Clark is a Cardiff based musician and performer. He has toured Europe, USA and South Wales with various bands, acts and solo projects. Marega Palser is a dancer, artist and musician based in Cardiff. She has worked extensively over the last 20 years in the UK, Europe and Japan. They have previously worked together as Mr & Mrs Clark.

Holly Davey studied Fine Art at Goldsmiths College, London (1998). She has performed and exhibited at g39, St David's Hall and the National Assembly of Wales, Cardiff, Exposure Gallery in Swansea, and the Greenwich Festival, and she won the Welsh Artist of the Year award for Photography in 2006.

Cai Tomos studied dance at Coventry University. On leaving he went on to become a performer with Earthfall Physical Theatre. He toured with the company for four years performing in "AD", "I can't stand up for falling down" and "at swim two boys". Cai has worked as a choreographer/director with Earthfall and Diversions Dance Company on the alternative routes tour. Cai is co founder of the Uru-Wales Project, a regular collaborative project with Director Martin Inthamossou that takes place in Montevideo South America. Cai has presented two major works " breakdown" (2005) "Gwyrth" (2007) as part of the Horizons Dance festival in South Wales and as part of the Festival of Dance in non conventional spaces, Uruguay.

Guillermo Weickert is a Spanish dancer, actor, director and choreographer. Having trained at the Centro Andaluz de Danza, he has worked internationally with such companies as General Electica, Tanzcompagnie Rubato, Danat Danza, La Permanente, Errequewrre, Raquel Madrid, and Bikini.Ducc. He has also been invited to show his work at various international festivals, including Box Nova (Lisbon), Tanec Praha (Prague), TanzWoche (Germany), Em Pe de Pedra (Santiago de Compostela) and Festival Greg (Barcelona).

LISTINGS INFORMATION
25 June - 10 July 2010
Wed - Sun, 3pm
Barmouth, Gwynedd
Tickets £10 /£5 conc; for local residents: £5/£3 conc
Theatre Harlech
Tel. 01766 780667
Press performance: 30 June
Conceived and curated by
Marc Rees

Creative collaborator
Benedict Anderson

Creative producer
Siân Thomas

Collaborating artists
GaretH Clark
Holly Davey
Marega Palser
Cai Tomos
Guillermo Weickert

The establishment of an English language National Theatre company for Wales was a commitment in the Welsh Assembly Government's One Wales programme. The Welsh Assembly Government and The Arts Council of Wales are supporting National Theatre Wales with funding of £3 million over three years.

National Theatre Wales creates invigorating theatre in the English language, rooted in Wales, with an international reach.

For more information on National Theatre Wales' shows visit: www.nationaltheatrewales.org