UWTSD student production premieres as part of Eisteddfod Amgen

The latest production performed by students from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David's Welsh medium BA Perfformio (Performance) course will receive a special premiere as part of this year’s Eisteddfod Amgen. The production, entitled 'Un' (One) will feature on the National Eisteddfod’s various digital channels this Wednesday, August 5th at 6.30pm.

'Un' is a brand new show specifically created for final year students to perform digitally. As a circle of original songs, the music is written by Eilir Owen Griffiths, Programme Director of the BA Perfformio course, and the words are crafted by the poet, Gruffudd Eifion Owen.

Inspired by the lockdown period and the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the production explores the different situations faced by a range of different people and follows their varied and individual lifestyles.

‘Un’ is a series of twelve songs performed by characters united by loneliness. But everyone's relationship with loneliness is completely different, making ‘Un’ a diverse mixture of intensity, humour and drama. 'One' is intended to hold a mirror to society and to focus on the loneliness felt by people during these strange and unprecedented times in the hope that we will something positive in that reflection.

The production deals with the fact that loneliness is endemic. Even before Covid-19, people of all ages felt increasingly isolated within their communities. But loneliness can also be seen as an opportunity. It can offer an opportunity to reflect; to ask questions and the chance to admit things you wouldn't usually admit in public. ‘Un’ has taken the current situation and offers different creative perspectives on the impact of Coronavirus on individuals and on wider society.

The show was produced during June under the direction of Elen Bowman, with the students filming themselves performing. Now, as part of Eisteddfod Amgen, students will have the opportunity to share their performances giving audiences opportunity to enjoy this particularly timely piece.

"What Elen Bowman has managed to create is amazing," said Eilir Owen Griffiths, composer of ‘Un’ and course director of BA Perfformio at UWTSD.

“When we entered Lockdown, this show didn't exist but by early May, we had fifteen original songs. The students have been fantastic - preparing diligently, learning their parts, and recording their performances.

“They have successfully converted rooms in their houses to create sets for their particular pieces; had the help of a family to record them performing outside and have been fully committed to this exciting project. I am so proud of the students and what they - along with the creative team - have achieved in such a short time. It's great that the National Eisteddfod is giving this production a platform and giving students the opportunity to showcase their talents as part of the Eisteddfod Amgen.”

The students thoroughly enjoyed preparing for the production and are now looking forward to seeing ‘Un’ as part of the Eisteddfod Amgen offer.

"This was a new online experience that was a huge challenge, but was also an opportunity to develop a whole new character that was fun," said Hannah Richards. "Seeing the whole thing come together gives me a feeling of pride that we did something completely different."

Student Emilia Davies also enjoyed the experience: “It was an opportunity to combine the skills that I’ve learnt over the last two years with new camera skills that I had to learn to create this new piece of work. I have really enjoyed seeing how the piece has developed from a single shot in the house to a finished piece made up of 12 people.”

The BA Perfformio offered by UWTSD is a Welsh medium course taught at Canolfan Berfformio Cymru (Wales Performance Centre) based in Cardiff. The basic ethos of the degree programme is to provide sound technique and a broad understanding of the creative industries in Wales and further afield.

All students on the course make the most of every opportunity to collaborate with professional practitioners who offer them a range of new and different experiences.

Given the highly practical nature of the degree, students are regularly given a variety of opportunities to perform and show their progress - and this is another example of students benefiting from an interesting opportunity to perform and develop skills preparing them for the world of work.

The BA Perfformio course was established by UWTSD in Cardiff in 2015. It is an innovative course taught intensively over a two year period by a combination of University staff and practitioners who work professionally in Wales in the fields of television, dance, entertainment, musicals and theatre.

Note to Editor

Un:

Original Idea: Eilir Owen Griffiths

Composer: Eilir Owen Griffiths

Words: Gruffydd Eifion Owen

Director: Elen Bowman

Music Director: David Laugharne

Voice coach: Ian Nicholas

Further Information

For further information, please contact Sian-Elin Davies, Principal Communications and PR Officer on 07449 998476 / sian-elin.davies@uwtsd.ac.uk