MA Theatr Perfformio & MA Musical Theatre students to perform ‘The Penelopiad’.
18.03.2022
Students from the Ma Theatr Perfformio and Ma Musical Theatre course from the Wales Academy of Voice and Dramatic Arts (WAVDA) are busy preparing for their performance of ‘The Penelopiad’ which will be shown at The Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff later this month.
‘The Penelopiad’ by Margaret Atwood is an adaptation of her novel of the same name which re-tells the story of The Odyssey from the perspective of Penelope the wife of Odysseus, it explores the killing of Penelope's 12 Maids and the responsibility of the event. It is a mix of Greek mythology and Atwood's own imagination to explore feminist ideas.
This sometimes comical, deeply moving play will leave the audience awed by the depth and power of the female experience.
Diving into the themes and world that Atwood explores means understanding the mythology and Atwood's politics and explore how it relates to the performers and individuals. Cast members feel it requires them to investigate outside just the mythology and history but the modern world and how they navigate it.
Elen Bowman has directed the production, and Lucy Rivers is the Musical Director.
The cast has been working on this production for about a month. Student Leigh Woolford said: “The rehearsal process has been, and still is a journey. It has been an exploratory process for me as a mature student and although it is intense, tiring and deep... I enjoy the mapping and excitement of seeing things fall into place.
“Working with our Director and Tutor Elen Bowman has created an uniqueness to the process, which is a way of working I have never experienced before. We have worked collaboratively and Elen encourages our characterisation, germ and objectives to drive the movement and impulse to the text and scenes. This has allowed me to be creative and to share and develop my vivid imagination. There is no doubt that this way of working is very beneficial to the actor and development as an artist.”
Leigh feels that working in an organised manner is essential to maintaining her focus and she has been preparing for this production weeks before they started rehearsals. She also has an interest in Greek Mythology, as many operas are written based on the stories in the collection. Last summer, Leigh was fortunate enough to be working in Ithaca, Greece for a few weeks. Ironically... or magically, she was there as a Nanny, which is the role that she'll be playing in the play.
MA Directing graduate and Stage Manager, Kallum Weyman said: “Working through the script, the unique thing about this production is the presence of The Maids as a chorus who observe and play out the action. It's a unique experience to create these ever-presence characters who affect how we interact with the entire play. Another unique thing is collaborating with Lucy Rivers the composer as the play doesn't have a written score Lucy is creating the music to the lyrics provided and seeing how we adjust that to fit with what we are doing is unique and interesting to see in action.”
Course Director Eilir Owen Griffiths is looking forward to seeing this production come together. “It’s an ambitious project and the students have worked really hard. I am so pleased that the students have had the opportunity to collaborate with Lucy Rivers. The cast are excited to be able to perform in front of an audience again in person in the theatre. After the last two years to be back on stage with an active audience is very exciting to be able to feel that audience reaction again.”
Performances of ‘The Penelopiad’ will be at The Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff on March 24th and 25th. Tickets are available here
This drama is not suitable for children under 16 years old.
Note to Editor
WAVDA:
Building on the success of both the Wales International Academy of Voice and Canolfan Berfformio Cymru, WAVDA is a hub of creativity, developing the actors, singers and directors of the future. The work ethic of the Academy is based on respect and collaboration, our students work with renowned industry experts refining their art in readiness for their careers.
Further Information
Lowri Thomas, Principal Communications and PR Officer
07449 998476
