Nurturing the Next Generation of Welsh-Language Theatre:

A bold new programme is nurturing Welsh-language theatre writing by bringing together some of the most exciting voices in Welsh theatre. Running until August, Gair i Gall is the latest initiative from Stiwdio Clwyd, Theatr Clwyd’s recently launched national artist development hub. The programme is supporting the next generation of Welsh-language theatre-makers in exploring how new plays finds their voice and identity.

Director of Stiwdio Clwyd Suzanne Bell is quick to point out, Gair i Gall isn't your typical training course. "This is not a 'how-to' programme," she explains, "there is no single formula for developing a brilliant play." Instead, Suzanne adds, “the journey is about the tools to help theatre-makers make sure a play fulfils its theatrical ambition – from background research and the structure of the story to the choices that connect it to the audience.”

A cohort to watch

The beating heart of Gair i Gall is its first cohort – nine remarkable theatre-makers from across Wales. There's Mary Davies from Carmarthenshire, who completed her PhD with the Royal Shakespeare Company. Melangell Dolma, from Gwynedd, is an actor-playwright-director whose debut premiered at the National Eisteddfod. Sarah Bickerton, formerly Associate Director at Theatr Cymru, brings experience across film, TV and theatre.

Cardiff-based Gwawr Loader is a playwright and actress whose recent credits span Theatr Sherman, Theatr Na n'Òg and Theatr Clwyd. Rhiannon Mair holds a practical Welsh-language PhD. Leo Drayton, a queer trans writer from Cardiff, made history when Dy Enw Marw became the first Welsh-language play staged at London’s National Theatre.

Rounding out the cohort are Nia Medi, returning to her first love of writing; bilingual Anglesey-raised creative Tom Mumford, co-founder of queer audio collective Coven Xperience; and Caernarfon-based novelist and poet Kayley Roberts, whose work champions marginalised voices in Welsh culture.

A stellar line-up of workshop leaders

The programme brings together a roll-call of brilliant practitioners. Suzanne Bell herself received the Kenneth Tynan Award for Excellence in Dramaturgy. Joining her are multi-award-winning dramaturg Jeanie O'Hare; Olivier-nominated director Guy Jones; Lowri Morgan, Literary Associate at Sherman Theatre whose play Ceridwen toured Wales last year; Gethin Evans, Artistic Director of Frân Wen; and BAFTA Cymru Breakthrough Award nominee Bethan Marlow.

Building a Welsh-language theatrical future

The hope is that Gair i Gall will do more than develop individuals, it will also create space for collaboration and debate - laying the groundwork for a more confident, connected, and creatively ambitious Welsh-language theatre scene.