Bethan Marlow's Posts - National Theatre Wales Community2024-03-29T08:03:30ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlowhttps://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2986189397?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1https://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blog/feed?user=1sk9iqcirswey&xn_auth=noNordic Larping Wekend is Launchedtag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2016-10-24:3152760:BlogPost:2586242016-10-24T09:55:11.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
Hey everyone,<br />
<br />
I posted a blog about wanting to organise a Nordic larp weekend in the near future. You can read all about what a Nordic larp is here-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blogs/fancy-a-nordic-larp">http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blogs/fancy-a-nordic-larp</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Well......I'm very happy to announce that the near future has arrived! On November 5th and 6th there are three larps for you to come and play for FREE!<br />
<br />
So here's the plan-<br />
<br />
Sat…
Hey everyone,<br />
<br />
I posted a blog about wanting to organise a Nordic larp weekend in the near future. You can read all about what a Nordic larp is here-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blogs/fancy-a-nordic-larp">http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profiles/blogs/fancy-a-nordic-larp</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Well......I'm very happy to announce that the near future has arrived! On November 5th and 6th there are three larps for you to come and play for FREE!<br />
<br />
So here's the plan-<br />
<br />
Sat Nov 5th<br />
9am- players travel to Theatr Gen in Carmarthen (a free mini bus will be leaving Cardiff)<br />
11-2- Before and After Silence<br />
2-4- lunch (will be provided)<br />
4-8- Waiting For Flight GO901<br />
8- players travel back home (a mini bus will take you back to Cardiff)<br />
<br />
Sun Nov 6th<br />
10- players travel from Cardiff (car pooling)<br />
12-3- Fallen Stars<br />
4- players travel back to Cardiff<br />
<br />
<br />
You are very welcome to play one, two or all three larps, it's entirely up to you. The only rule is that if you're not playing then you cannot be in the playing space. There are no spectators in these larps. But there is a green room that you can relax in and drink tea!<br />
<br />
<br />
So, here's a bit of information about the larps-<br />
<br />
Before and After Silence<br />
In a world of more and more sound, silence is becoming more valuable. Before and After Silence is about limitations and listening and about doing almost nothing. It is non-verbal and uses silence as its starting point. It is about shifting the point of view from “what is” to “what is not”, about shifting the focus from “the sounds” to “the spaces between the sounds”. Rather than playing characters, we examine how we look at ourselves and how different filters can change how we see ourselves and others. We ask you to explore that silence, and to see if you can shape it.<br />
<br />
Playing style- silent.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Waiting for Flight G0901<br />
<br />
People are waiting for their friends and loved ones who are on a flight home to Cardiff Airport. We follow the characters and their reactions from when the flight is merely delayed until the unthinkable happens.<br />
<br />
Playing style- Social realism.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Fallen Stars<br />
Fallen Stars is a game about old things, once beloved by their owners but now discarded and no longer cared for. As they languish at a flea market they dream of their glory days and hope to find new lives with new owners. They also worry about the uncertain future of those whom buyers will not rescue.<br />
<br />
Playing style- realism, within the framework that objects can think and talk.<br />
<br />
Please remember- it's all completely free, the majority of you are first time larpers and above all, it's going to be a lot of fun.<br />
<br />
<br />
If you're interested in coming along to play then please email me at bethan@bethanmarlow.com with the following details-<br />
<br />
1. Which larps you'd like to play.<br />
2. Whether you need a space on the mini bus.<br />
3. Any dietary requirements.<br />
<br />
If you could please get back to me by Friday October 28th that would be great.<br />
<br />
Hope to see you on November 5th.<br />
<br />
Diolch,<br />
<br />
Bethan.xFancy a Nordic LARP?tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2016-06-10:3152760:BlogPost:2531152016-06-10T10:00:00.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p>Hi!<br></br> <br></br> So larp stands for Live Action RolePlay.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999435511?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999435511?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a> <br></br> <br></br> I'm trying to spread the word about and recruit interested players for some Nordic larps, to be played in South Wales. These kind of larps are played in black boxes (or studio spaces) with very little props, no costume and a set-up/narrative that's much closer to reality than your regular…</p>
<p>Hi!<br/> <br/> So larp stands for Live Action RolePlay.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999435511?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999435511?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a><br/> <br/> I'm trying to spread the word about and recruit interested players for some Nordic larps, to be played in South Wales. These kind of larps are played in black boxes (or studio spaces) with very little props, no costume and a set-up/narrative that's much closer to reality than your regular fantasy larp.<br/> <br/> They usually take about 6 hours to play. Although they're still high in drama, they're much more imbedded in reality so no costume, very little props and using lights and sound. They tend to be smaller in numbers too, ranging between 2 and 20 players usually. Examples of situations are- waiting for someone at an airport when their plane goes down, an advertising agency with a looming deadline of projects that challenge your ethics, being underground in quarantine trying to avoid a pandemic illness or even a dinner party where relationships are one big, complicated web.<br/> <br/> Are you interested in coming to play? Email me at bethan@bethanmarlow.com and I'll add you to the mailing list so you can be kept in the loop.<br/> <br/> It'll be fun!<br/> <br/> Beth.x</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999435523?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999435523?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>Looking for multi-lingual creative to join our R and Dtag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2015-10-31:3152760:BlogPost:2383202015-10-31T15:05:54.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<div><strong>We are looking for a creative to come and join us for a week of research and development.</strong></div>
<div>I’m Bethan Marlow and I’m a Welsh writer that’s about to embark on a very exciting r and d week (funded by ACW) at WMC with theatre director Mared Swain and artist and dancer Marega Palser.</div>
<div><strong>Here’a a little information about the project-</strong></div>
<div>Dates- Nov 23-27th, </div>
<div>Location- Weston studio, WMC.</div>
<div><p>As…</p>
</div>
<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<div><strong>We are looking for a creative to come and join us for a week of research and development.</strong></div>
<div>I’m Bethan Marlow and I’m a Welsh writer that’s about to embark on a very exciting r and d week (funded by ACW) at WMC with theatre director Mared Swain and artist and dancer Marega Palser.</div>
<div><strong>Here’a a little information about the project-</strong></div>
<div>Dates- Nov 23-27th, </div>
<div>Location- Weston studio, WMC.</div>
<div><p>As people all over Wales celebrate the anniversary of 150 years since the Welsh arrived in Patagonia, we have been questioning what exactly does it mean to have a group of people on the other side of the world speaking Welsh and hosting Eisteddfods? Is it not a little bizarre? 150 years on, are we even connected or have we both evolved to being two different nations? </p>
<p>The idea for our play takes us 150 years into the future where numerous languages are spoken in Wales and Welsh is just one of them. Also, Paradise has been found- a land where folk make the long, arduous pilgrimage there so they can speak pure Welsh and practise their traditions without threat. But when they arrive they find it’s not exactly what they imagined. </p>
<p>This play questions the suffocation of traditions and ancestry and explores the future of the Welsh language- both in the Promised Lands and in Wales.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong>And here’s what we’re looking for-</strong></p>
<p>An actor, performer, poet or dancer, it doesn’t matter as long as you're excited to come and join us to explore our idea.</p>
<p>You can be aged 18-180. </p>
<p>You need to be able to speak at least one of the following languages- <strong>Polish, Urdu, Somali, Punjabi or Gujarati.</strong></p>
<p>You also need to be confident in speaking English.</p>
<p></p>
<p>If you are interested please email me with some details about yourself and why you are interested in joining us at</p>
<p><strong>bethan@bethanmarlow.com</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><br/></strong>Look forward to hearing from you,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan</p>
</div>The Fashion of working with Community.tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2015-04-07:3152760:BlogPost:2239162015-04-07T15:40:53.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p>My 'Llaneski' Waleslab has just come to an end and as part of the work I had to feedback to NTW about what I discovered and how it has/will affect my personal practice. </p>
<p></p>
<p>'Llaneski' was a project where I and a team of creatives worked with a group of Polish teenagers from Llanelli to give them an opportunity to express themselves, their voices and their experiences in a creative way- mainly through dance and art.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I had originally hoped to work with the…</p>
<p></p>
<p>My 'Llaneski' Waleslab has just come to an end and as part of the work I had to feedback to NTW about what I discovered and how it has/will affect my personal practice. </p>
<p></p>
<p>'Llaneski' was a project where I and a team of creatives worked with a group of Polish teenagers from Llanelli to give them an opportunity to express themselves, their voices and their experiences in a creative way- mainly through dance and art.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I had originally hoped to work with the whole Polish community of Llanelli, I had also imagined that this project would eventually go on a journey where, in a year or so, we would be putting up a site-specific piece of theatre with the residents of Llanelli (locals, Polish and all other cultures and ethnicities that now live there), giving them a creative stage to have their voices heard on. I imagined all sorts and was very excited by the idea.</p>
<p></p>
<p>But it was my idea. Not theirs. And guess what? They weren't as excited as me- they were busy and wanted to keep their heads down and out of any trouble. They definitely has no interest in making that much noise about the fact that they were living here. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I got a lot out of the workshops, and really hope that the individuals that came did also. I gained loads of insight into life in Llanelli as a teenager from Poland- the language barrier is a huge problem for a lot of them, racial abuse is a daily thing in their lives and most of them felt completely disenfranchised. We explored these themes, created some work and it sparked ideas of what direction this project could and should go.</p>
<p></p>
<p>So, coming to the end of this project meant that I was having to think of not only what my next steps as an artist were but also what next steps can I put in place for the young people who have responded positively to having a creative outlet? What would they like to see happen next and what can I do to try and put that in place for them (regardless of whether it involves me or not)? They helped me with my idea therefore I should listen to and help them with theirs. And this is an element of working in Community Theatre as a freelancer that I feel must be shared- you don't get paid for this bit. This is something that you do in return for the presence and voice they've given to your work. You have experience and contacts of how to go about a creative idea they might have. This is your responsibility- not just as an artist but as a member of society.</p>
<p></p>
<p>By the way, I'm not saying that you then have to commit yourself fully to becoming the world's best volunteer within any community you work in! If there's anything that comes out of it that seems to need a lot of time then you can always try and find funding for that and include your time in it. For example, the teenagers we worked with said they would love to have singing lessons so I've found a singing teacher and made connections with the school's youth worker and have applied for Communities First funding to secure singing lessons for the next two terms. I've written the application and made the connections (one day's work maximum) and then that project will continue without me. If they wanted drama or writing classes then of course, I would have included myself in the funding application to be paid for leading those workshops. But that one day's work without pay to try and kick-start an idea the community have is what I believe is the artist's/theatre company's responsibility. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I feel very much that I'm a part of a wave in theatre at the moment where we are all (and I'm definitely included) obsessed with working with communities, with "real" people, "real" voices. It gives a project or a production a certain purpose, a depth and a rawness that you can't create with just three actors in a black box. But we MUST remember that with working with all this real-ness, comes a huge amount of responsibility. We've got past the stage of parachuting in and out and we now use lots of buzz words like "legacy", "outreach" and "exit strategy" but lets please make sure that we all give those words real thought and sensitivity. It really is very important.</p>
<p></p>
<p>One of the biggest thing I've felt from working on 'Llaneski' is that I've started to hate titles! We create these titles for the community groups we work with. To say that I'm working with 'Polish teenagers' seemed so ridiculous because it made them all seem the same and of course, they were all completely individual, as are all people! We do it all the time- working with 'prisoners', 'young mothers', 'the elderly', 'muslim community'. It's all so broad and vague and one dimensional- but how do we get around that? By naming every single individual you're working with???!! I don't know yet, but I'm thinking about it!</p>
<p></p>
<p>I wanted to share all this with you and also welcome any thoughts or experiences you might have had with working within communities and more importantly, with what you did at the end of a project. Anything you wished you'd done differently?</p>
<p></p>
<p>And how do we avoid those titles??? Someone must have a great idea about that!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan.x </p>
<p></p>
<p></p>"Get to know me before you judge me"tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2014-10-22:3152760:BlogPost:2090872014-10-22T11:51:57.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p>I've started my Wlaeslab project, 'Llaneski'- a project that creates a platform for the Polish community of Llanelli to express themselves creatively. I want to hear what they have to say and then discover a way of collaborating with them in making a piece of something creative.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm sorry if it sounds vague, but right now it's exactly that. I'm not going to decide what it will be, what it will look like, sound like or feel like. This project is about developing my…</p>
<p></p>
<p>I've started my Wlaeslab project, 'Llaneski'- a project that creates a platform for the Polish community of Llanelli to express themselves creatively. I want to hear what they have to say and then discover a way of collaborating with them in making a piece of something creative.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm sorry if it sounds vague, but right now it's exactly that. I'm not going to decide what it will be, what it will look like, sound like or feel like. This project is about developing my process of working with and within communities whose voices aren't being heard. I'm gonna take it step by step and be as open and flexible as I can be as opposed to fall back on tried and tested methods.</p>
<p></p>
<p>So we (me and Laura Karadog, the community facilitator) started our journey at Coed Cae secondary school with 31 young Polish people. We had a full day of workshops- exploring their relationship with Llanelli and the people of Llanelli. It was really challenging because we don't speak Polish and some of them had very little English. The ones that didn't understand me talking tended to play up, chat, joke around which was really frustrating. But we slowly got closer and closer and the trust started to build between us. They shared their journey from Poland to Llanelli on the bus, their first reactions and the good and bad about living here. Just because they're all Polish they are of course also individuals and very different from each other. But they all had one thing in common- they have all experienced racial abuse.</p>
<p></p>
<p>"You're stealing our jobs"</p>
<p>"Fuck off back to your own country"</p>
<p>"Everything is your fault"</p>
<p></p>
<p>These are some examples of what they're told at school by fellow students.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The sentence we ended up with after a day of exploring was this one-</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999410328?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999410328?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Our second day on the Llaneski project was last Sunday where we had a dance/movement workshop. Nine of the young people got in touch with using their bodies to express themselves led by the awesome Karol Cysewski. Next weekend we'll be exploring putting our voices in art with a fabulous Llanelli sculptor called Richard Gravelle. This is all building up towards a weekend full of workshops in February. We're taking our time so that we can contact as much of the community as possible. It's definitely not easy but so far I'm loving the challenge and really loving what we're discovering together.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I'll update you soon.....x</p>Writing my DGW response playtag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2014-09-30:3152760:BlogPost:2067612014-09-30T16:00:00.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p>I got an email last week from the Dirty Protest gang asking me if I'd like to write a short play for their Dirty, Gifted and Welsh event this year. And this is how I felt-</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Yes!"</p>
<p>"I remember going last year and really enjoyed it. There were loads of people I knew there".</p>
<p>"Oh god, there were load of people I knew there".</p>
<p>"Shit, there were loads of writers, good writers, that I knew there".</p>
<p>"What if my play's crap?"</p>
<p>"Am I political…</p>
<p></p>
<p>I got an email last week from the Dirty Protest gang asking me if I'd like to write a short play for their Dirty, Gifted and Welsh event this year. And this is how I felt-</p>
<p></p>
<p>"Yes!"</p>
<p>"I remember going last year and really enjoyed it. There were loads of people I knew there".</p>
<p>"Oh god, there were load of people I knew there".</p>
<p>"Shit, there were loads of writers, good writers, that I knew there".</p>
<p>"What if my play's crap?"</p>
<p>"Am I political enough? What does that even mean? Isn't everyone political? But some people are really clever and write really clever stuff"</p>
<p>"Do I want to do this?"</p>
<p>"Dirty Protest plays are always funny. Does mine have to be funny?"</p>
<p>"It probably doesn't have to be funny but the ones that people like are the funny ones."</p>
<p>"What if there's a weird awkward disgusting silence throughout mine?"</p>
<p>"I wonder who else is writing a response play?"</p>
<p>"Do I know how to write?"</p>
<p>"Seriously, do I know how to write a play?"</p>
<p>-</p>
<p>"Fuck it, have a go. No-one's gonna die".</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>And so I wrote it. I've got a first draft and I'm gonna play with it a bit this week and then I'll send it their way. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I wanted to share all that with you because I think that all too often all of us writers forget that there are lots and lots of other writers all over Wales sitting in front of their laptops worrying, dreading and questioning their gift. Every day. </p>
<p></p>
<p>So lets all get together on October 12th to discuss, share and really celebrate the work we make. Lets go there with an open mind (and heart!) to enjoy ourselves and fall in love again with the buzz of writing new plays for the theatre. </p>
<p></p>
<p>See you there (although I'll probably be hiding behind a baby when my play's on!)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Beth.x</p>Llaneski- come join me and the Polish community of Llanellitag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2014-09-22:3152760:BlogPost:2059002014-09-22T19:35:45.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I want to tell you about my new Waleslab project 'Llaneski' and open an invitation for you to come and volunteer with us.</p>
<p></p>
<p>'Llaneski' is an invitation to the Polish community of all ages living in Llanelli to come ad join us and participate in creative workshops, share their stories and experiences and meet others within their community. We will be giving the Polish community of Llanelli a platform to creatively express themselves,…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Hi everyone,</p>
<p></p>
<p>I want to tell you about my new Waleslab project 'Llaneski' and open an invitation for you to come and volunteer with us.</p>
<p></p>
<p>'Llaneski' is an invitation to the Polish community of all ages living in Llanelli to come ad join us and participate in creative workshops, share their stories and experiences and meet others within their community. We will be giving the Polish community of Llanelli a platform to creatively express themselves, particularly in art, dance and movement. We want to hear, see and feel their true voices as opposed to the ones that have been portrayed in the local media by other members of their community.</p>
<p></p>
<p>And so if you are one or more of the following and interested in gaining experience on working creatively with and within communities we would love to hear from you-</p>
<p>1) Polish<br/>2) Living in Llanelli<br/>3) An artist<br/>4) A dancer </p>
<p></p>
<p>Feel free to contact me on the community here or by emailing bethan_marlow@hotmail.com</p>
<p></p>
<p>Really looking forward to hearing from you</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan.x</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>John McGrath and other people say 'It Gets Better'.tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2013-12-06:3152760:BlogPost:1820652013-12-06T14:00:00.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="www.youtube.com/embed/Hi4D-qXi8YU?wmode=opaque" width="853"></iframe>
</p>
<p>Whilst me and my partner, Carolina Vasquez, have been working closely with the LGBT community of Swansea over the last few months for '<a href="http://www.queerchristmas.co.uk/" target="_blank">A Queer Christmas</a>' we felt the need to make an <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project™</a> video- one that inspires and supports young…</p>
<p><iframe width="853" height="480" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Hi4D-qXi8YU?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p>Whilst me and my partner, Carolina Vasquez, have been working closely with the LGBT community of Swansea over the last few months for '<a href="http://www.queerchristmas.co.uk/" target="_blank">A Queer Christmas</a>' we felt the need to make an <a href="http://www.itgetsbetter.org/" target="_blank">It Gets Better Project™</a> video- one that inspires and supports young LGBT people in Wales. And so we invited LGBT theatre practitioners in Wales to spare an hour of their time to share their personal journey and give any advice to the younger LGBT generation.<br/><br/>We'd like to thank everyone that took part for being so open and honest. We will be sharing this video across all social media platforms but we're also going to be sharing it with schools across Wales, Stonewall Cymru and various other LGBT charities.<br/><br/>We hope that you all can support this campaign by sharing it amongst your friends, your colleagues and any young people out there that are being bullied for being gay.<br/><br/>Thank you,<br/><br/>Bethan</p>A Queer Christmas- Part 2tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2013-10-28:3152760:BlogPost:1793022013-10-28T11:00:00.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p>So we're now four weeks into the second stage of the project which are the queer community workshops.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The sign-up was great and we were able to get participants for all workshops so it kicked off with a positive bang- the choir started learning their first Christmas song, the acting group started to improv, the writing group started creating characters and thinking of narratives, the filmmakers got straight into filming, dancers are dancing and artists are…</p>
<p></p>
<p>So we're now four weeks into the second stage of the project which are the queer community workshops.</p>
<p></p>
<p>The sign-up was great and we were able to get participants for all workshops so it kicked off with a positive bang- the choir started learning their first Christmas song, the acting group started to improv, the writing group started creating characters and thinking of narratives, the filmmakers got straight into filming, dancers are dancing and artists are creating!</p>
<p></p>
<p>There was a little dip in week three in terms of attendance. Some people were ill, some were working, others on holiday. Of course, this happens, and we have to accept that all of our participants have lives and that we cannot expect them to drop everything for EIGHT weeks to be a part of this show. It's a really hard balance to strike at times I find because half my head is saying "be flexible, work with and alongside their lives, let it grow organically" and then the other half of my head is saying "we have a show in six weeks!!!!!" </p>
<p></p>
<p>So, this week, I have decided to listen to different part of my head. The one that's slightly in the middle, the one that says- "start piecing things together Beth, start collecting the fragments that are being created in the workshops and start playing with putting them together. Put a couple of characters that have been created together on a page and see what happens, let it develop." I'm also interviewing people within the queer community of Swansea and being inspired by countless stories, incidents and individuals. Also on my list these next few weeks is to meet up with as much local talent as possible to see if they'd like to contribute to our production. (Any Swansea creatives reading this, get in touch! bethan_marlow@hotmail.com)</p>
<p></p>
<p>So, yes, feels like we've come a long way but we've got so much longer to go...........onwards!</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p></p>A Queer Christmas- part 1tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2013-10-03:3152760:BlogPost:1764542013-10-03T15:00:36.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
Hey everyone,<br />
<br />
I've decided to blog about our process and journey throughout 'A Queer Christmas' so that anyone that's interested in immersive community promenade theatre (really need to get a catchier description than this!) can follow how we're going about it. Hopefully these blogs can open up into discussions and debates on collaborations between theatre companies and community.<br />
<br />
So, my aim is to create a promenade theatre production on Swansea High St that will celebrate queer life over the…
Hey everyone,<br />
<br />
I've decided to blog about our process and journey throughout 'A Queer Christmas' so that anyone that's interested in immersive community promenade theatre (really need to get a catchier description than this!) can follow how we're going about it. Hopefully these blogs can open up into discussions and debates on collaborations between theatre companies and community.<br />
<br />
So, my aim is to create a promenade theatre production on Swansea High St that will celebrate queer life over the decades. I'm opening an invitation to all residents of Swansea to take part in all aspects of the production by offering free workshops over a period of 8 weeks in acting, singing, dancing, art, writing, filmmaking and food art. The workshops are open for all ages.<br />
<br />
The reason for this is that I'm keen for Swansea community to feel an ownership of this work. It's their voices that should be heard in this production which is why I haven't written a single line of the script yet (yes, that sounds scary but it'll all come together over the next few weeks).<br />
<br />
Now, every time I describe this process everyone instantly think "it's a community thing", "it's for local people", "it'll be lovely to give them that opportunity but the quality of the work will probably be very amateur". We have a professional, experienced team facilitating and creating this production (including professional actors) and I truly believe that the collaboration of local talent and the creative team creates something that is pretty unique.<br />
<br />
So, part 1 of the process is recruiting the community volunteers to sign up to the workshop.<br />
<br />
Myself, Brent (community manager) and Gareth (production manager) have done this in three stages over three weeks.<br />
<br />
Week 1- contacting the big bodies- charities, universities, theatre companies, council. We also said an initial hello to our new neighbours on High St.<br />
<br />
Week 2- meeting groups, societies, clubs and associations that are already existing in LGBT Swansea. We also met people that are active and connected within their communities.<br />
<br />
Week 3- we hit the streets! Flyering around the city centre, down Wind st at night, in various nights and events on the gay scene to try and meet as many people as we can. We've also pitched to univeristy students, been to the freshers fayres, libraries, cafes and of course, Swansea market. I've also got our posters on most staff pinboards of big shops and companies in Swansea (even got into Amazon park!)<br />
<br />
On Saturday, we'll find out how many people will come and sign up. It's so hard to have any idea of how many we'll get but the most important thing for me is that we have done our very best to make sure that everyone has been invited.<br />
<br />
Whoever then signs up are the people that need to be there.<br />
<br />
Let's see what happens!<br />
<br />
Bethan.xA glimpse of what we created.tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2013-08-29:3152760:BlogPost:1719162013-08-29T17:46:14.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was up in North wales for three months this summer creating, writing and directing an immersive promenade theatre production for Theatr Genedlaethol.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was called 'Blodyn' and it was a modern day version of Blodeuwedd's story. I worked very closely with two communities- the village of Talysarn and the town of Balenau Ffestiniog. The purpose of the project was to get their voices heard on a creative stage, to be able to show what living and surviving in…</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p>I was up in North wales for three months this summer creating, writing and directing an immersive promenade theatre production for Theatr Genedlaethol.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It was called 'Blodyn' and it was a modern day version of Blodeuwedd's story. I worked very closely with two communities- the village of Talysarn and the town of Balenau Ffestiniog. The purpose of the project was to get their voices heard on a creative stage, to be able to show what living and surviving in these communities was like today. And so I knocked on doors, visited a variety of clubs, groups and associations, talked at schools, walked the streets and invited the whole community to come and take part in our free workshops. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>We had over 400 members of the community taking part with over 50 local residents performing alongside professional actors, dancers and musicians. We even composed an anthem for the show and made a music video.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So for all of you that couldn't make it, I wanted to share these videos with you.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Hope you enjoy.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Bethan.x</p>
<p> <iframe width="700" height="394" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/72669248?byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p>Cynhyrchiad Theatr promenad cymunedol proffesiynnol yn Blaenau Ffestiniog gan Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru<br/> Community promenade theatre production in Blaenau Ffestiniog by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru<br/><br/> Cyfarwyddwr ac awdur/ Written and directed by- Bethan Marlow<br/> Cyfarwyddwr cyswllt- Associate director- Sara Lloyd<br/> Rheolwr Cynhyrchu / Production Manager- Gareth Wyn Roberts</p>
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<p> <iframe width="700" height="394" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/72668778?byline=0&portrait=0" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<p>Cynhyrchiad Theatr promenad cymunedol proffesiynnol yn Talysarn gan Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru<br/> Community promenade theatre production in Talysarn by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru<br/><br/></p>Marketing site-specific theatre- An Intern Opportunitytag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2013-07-25:3152760:BlogPost:1655712013-07-25T08:26:49.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
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<p>Good morning everybody! </p>
<p></p>
<p>Please see below a volunteer opportunity for an individual that's passionate about marketing in theatre and eager to learn more about how to create a marketing strategy that generates a fresh, diverse audience.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Who's up for the challenge?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan…</p>
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<p>Good morning everybody! </p>
<p></p>
<p>Please see below a volunteer opportunity for an individual that's passionate about marketing in theatre and eager to learn more about how to create a marketing strategy that generates a fresh, diverse audience.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Who's up for the challenge?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Thanks,</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999380497?profile=original" target="_self">QC%20marketing%20intern.doc</a></p>"Make good art"tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2012-11-20:3152760:BlogPost:1401182012-11-20T13:00:23.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p> </p>
<p>If you're having one of those days where it's grey outside, the rain is dribbling down and you're at home/in the library/in a cafe/on a train and you're making/researching/thinking/discussing your work then have a look at this. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Take the time to listen to it, I promise you it's worth it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikAb-NYkseI?wmode=opaque" width="420"></iframe>
</p>
<p>Let's keep going towards our…</p>
<p> </p>
<p>If you're having one of those days where it's grey outside, the rain is dribbling down and you're at home/in the library/in a cafe/on a train and you're making/researching/thinking/discussing your work then have a look at this. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Take the time to listen to it, I promise you it's worth it. </p>
<p> </p>
<p><iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/ikAb-NYkseI?wmode=opaque" frameborder="0"></iframe>
</p>
<p>Let's keep going towards our mountains, no matter what.</p>"C'laen ta!"- taking theatre to people's doorstepstag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2012-07-20:3152760:BlogPost:1284552012-07-20T11:55:00.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
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<p>I've just got back to Cardiff after an intense six weeks of creating and directing a piece of promenade theatre on the council estate of Peblig in Caernarfon for Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I had three main aims for this project-</p>
<p>1- I wanted the residents of the estate to be an integral part of the production.</p>
<p>2- I wanted the production to fit onto the estate organically and not be plonked on artificially.</p>
<p>3- I wanted it to be…</p>
<p></p>
<p></p>
<p>I've just got back to Cardiff after an intense six weeks of creating and directing a piece of promenade theatre on the council estate of Peblig in Caernarfon for Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.</p>
<p></p>
<p>I had three main aims for this project-</p>
<p>1- I wanted the residents of the estate to be an integral part of the production.</p>
<p>2- I wanted the production to fit onto the estate organically and not be plonked on artificially.</p>
<p>3- I wanted it to be big!</p>
<p></p>
<p>Residents were invited to participate in a variety of ways- they could join the art group to learn how to make props and art installations, they could join the vertical dancing group to learn how to dance and do stunts on outside walls, they could join the acting group to perform in the production, they could steward on the production weekend and they could even join our newly formed choir. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I'm not ging to lie, recruiting at the beginning was a challenge and I had to make a very last minute decision of getting profesionnal actors on board because I didn't have enough people that wanted to perform. </p>
<p></p>
<p>But once we had our team of volunteers and once our production team and actors joined us, the experience was magical. Everyone worked so hard, everyone pulled together and more and more people started to open their doors and watch the rehearsals from their doorsteps (literally!). </p>
<p></p>
<p>There were parts that were rough around the edges but do you know what? It didn't matter. When a play is located on such a real setting there's no pretending that what we're doing is 'real' and yet everyone would follow the actors around the estate every night because they wanted to know what happened next, wanted to see how he/she turned out in the end. They knew that they were acting but they were playing along because they could relate. It was their story- the story had come from their estate, from their backgrounds and from their presents situations. They understood that world and so had no qualms in jumping into it and that's what was magical to watch because residents of all ages were stepping into a storyworld and playing along. If I would have invited them to come to the theatre to watch that play, I wonder how many would have come? </p>
<p></p>
<p>This play needed to happen on the estate. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Here are a few photos of what we created-</p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999365600?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999365600?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999368909?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999368909?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999369565?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999369565?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999369985?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999369985?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999371292?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999371292?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999371991?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999371991?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999374149?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999374149?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-center"/></a></p>
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<p>The ethos I believed in and shared with the team right from the start was that we would always make sure that we left a 'positive mark' on anyone or anywhere that we worked with- even if it's as small as replacing a broken plant pot or as big as boosting self-confidence and the messages we've been receiving on Facebook seem to say that we've achieved that.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bringing theatre onto people's doorsteps comes with a responsibility- you can't treat the place as a set, you can't expect the residents to be as obedient as actors and you have to accept that you're not the boss. I've learnt so much and loved it- I love the buzz, excitement, spontaneity and importance that comes with making site-specific work. The story MUST belong to that site.</p>
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<p>I'd like to thank the residents of Peblig for their welcome and for trusting me to tell their story. Diolch.</p>Asylum- part 2tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2012-05-30:3152760:BlogPost:1238562012-05-30T16:42:54.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p>Well, part 2 of the ‘Asylum’ project was a huge eye opener for me in so many ways.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ummm….where do I start!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The main thing that I want audience members/players to experience in this piece is their relationship with their mind. It’s quite an intimate journey really. I wanted to put them in situations where their minds, instinct and response is tested to see how much we can trust our brains, how different we all are and ultimately, how mental health…</p>
<p></p>
<p>Well, part 2 of the ‘Asylum’ project was a huge eye opener for me in so many ways.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Ummm….where do I start!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The main thing that I want audience members/players to experience in this piece is their relationship with their mind. It’s quite an intimate journey really. I wanted to put them in situations where their minds, instinct and response is tested to see how much we can trust our brains, how different we all are and ultimately, how mental health disorders can make you look at the world differently. With my group of talented creatives we went about to create an experience that would give the audience a taste of that.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Of course, we went for all the extreme scenarios! We invited them into a variety of rooms including-</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The interview room- where they were given the official test used to judge a patient’s psychological state. We also filmed them and projected their faces into the corner of their vision to heighten paranoia.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The laundry room- after we stripped you of your clothes and belongings we put you to work with a lady who was obsessive compulsive about her cleaning. She passed on her neurosis and panic on to you by demanding that you switch from one job to the other abruptly.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>The cloakroom- a lady has fallen off her chair and she’s asking you to help her. What do you do? And how far will you go to comfort her?</p>
<p> </p>
<p>You were then told to go down the corridors where you were surrounded by talking shoes- pairs and pairs of shoe, repeating their story.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And then into the darkness with just a mini wind-up torch to play a child-like game to test your inhibitions.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>It then went on to some occupational therapy and a scene in a cell with lasers and an animal like caged man who had reached rock bottom and could no longer be saved.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And then you were thrown out!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>There were lots and lots and lots of things that needed further development- the players felt they needed more of a reason of why they were there and what exactly their roles were, there wasn’t a through line story to follow and some things were so dark that you couldn’t actually see them!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But I’ve learnt so much. I had never before created a piece by responding purely to a space. Of course, we had our themes and research but I had never sat in a room and let it talk to me. I really enjoyed that, made me think visually (and not just in text) for probably the first time ever.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>This idea needs further development, definitely. I’m discovering that there are so many elements to a LARP- some I know well and other I need more experience in.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>But a great start- thank you Waleslab!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here’s a photo of something that has come from this Waleslab- my appreciation of plants. Here is my very first herb and flower garden ever! And that is thank you to Jony, Dymphna and Marega for opening my eyes to it (amongst many other things!)</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Let’s hope that I grow just like these!x</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999376299?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999376299?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>Asylum Waleslabtag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2012-04-26:3152760:BlogPost:1202052012-04-26T13:17:43.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999372826?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-full" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999372826?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>So, Waleslab has allowed me to have ten days to play, explore and develop an idea I have for a LARP (Live Action Role Play). I started this process knowing that I wanted three things-</p>
<p></p>
<p>1) Developing an interactive experience where the audience members step into a world that they can touch, talk to, add to and change.</p>
<p>2) To play…</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999372826?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999372826?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>So, Waleslab has allowed me to have ten days to play, explore and develop an idea I have for a LARP (Live Action Role Play). I started this process knowing that I wanted three things-</p>
<p></p>
<p>1) Developing an interactive experience where the audience members step into a world that they can touch, talk to, add to and change.</p>
<p>2) To play with the theme of sanity, mental health and the set up of an 'asylum'.</p>
<p>3) To collaborate with creatives that worked in different mediums to myself. </p>
<p></p>
<p>I've decided to split my two weeks into two parts and we've just finished part 1 and I'd like to share with you what we've got up to now and hopefully you might feel like commenting or giving feedback and suggestions for us to take on board for the next part.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Part 1 has been all about experiencing each others 'process'. The word has started to sound a bit 'arty farty' by now but basically, before entering a room where we could collaborate openly and vulnerably I thought it was really important to see everyone's way of working, where they work, what they do and how they do it. Otherwise, I think we can get caught in a trap where we're thrown into a room , expected to collaborate and end up just recycling the same old tricks. </p>
<p></p>
<p>Dymphna Day- video artist and physical artist.</p>
<p>We started off in Dymphna's house on top of a mountain. You've got a choice of walking the last half a mile up the mountain or grabbing on to dear life in the back of the jumpy land rover! Dymphna sent us out into the dark at midnight with no torch and we walked individually in the pitch blackness around the top of the mountain- it was bloody scary but really liberating actually. We spent the day reading, researching, discussing our personal relationships with the theme and Dymphna explored a character when we gave her the title "behold the madwoman". </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373040?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373040?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Jony's World- sculptor and soundscape artist</p>
<p>what a place Jony lives in! There are flowers and trees and vegetables and fruits and micro universes and it's just delightful! And then, amongst all of this is his workshop, full of cables, electricity and weird gadgets from Hong Kong!</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373190?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373190?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>Marega day- visual artist, performer, musician.</p>
<p>We left the countryside and went to an empty shop in Newport which was a nice change. We started using our bodies, drew faces with charcoal and then went back to Marega's studio which was full of weird and wonderful things!</p>
<p></p>
<div><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373307?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373307?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></div>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan's day- writer.</p>
<p>I was really nervous when it got to my turn! I'm an avid 'scheduler' so shared this habit of mine with the group, did some writing games and excercises, we went to talk to a neuro scientist and then visited the archive place where we got to look at asylum files from 1908.</p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373360?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373360?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>After these four days it was quite easy to structure the last day at The Gate in Roath (which is a lovely, lovely space by the way). We started putting a few things up on it's feet, played with light and darkness and lasers, saw how sound can play with your mind and thoughts and got comfortable with filming from all different angles. </p>
<p></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373372?profile=original" target="_self"><img width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999373372?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750" class="align-full"/></a></p>
<p></p>
<p>For the afternoon we sat and shared our ideas for part 2- what visions/scenes/moments that we'd started thinking about for the LARP, what we wanted the audience to experience and what we wanted to explore further.</p>
<p></p>
<p>Unfortunately, it seems that we won't be able to go to Denbigh's old mental asylum so we're opening our eyes to different locations. We want somewhere, anywhere in Wales (absolutely anywhere!), that has individual rooms and spaces, where we can create complete darkness, where there is heat and electricity, somewhere that's not a 'performance space'. Maybe an unused floor in a block of offices, an old hospital wing, an old school? </p>
<p></p>
<p>Any suggestions?</p>
<p></p>
<p>Part 2 will happen at the end of May. You know, it's so great to have time to develop not just a new idea, but a new group of creatives, having the time to play, find new ways of working and giving ourselves time to let the idea change, grow and be what it should be without the pressure of it opening in x amount of weeks! It's lovely!</p>
<p></p>
<p>So, we have a sentence for you to finish please (you can write it in the comments)</p>
<p></p>
<p>Mental Health is....</p>
<p></p>
<p>Bethan.x</p>
<p></p>"I wish I could see....?"tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2011-07-06:3152760:BlogPost:639582011-07-06T15:46:28.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p> </p>
<p>CuatrOOjos: An Experimedia Project has kicked off to a great start! We (myself and Carolina Vasquez) are working with wonderful artists, performers, designers and filmmakers including <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/pdmono" target="_blank">PDMono</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/Barracudavoraz" target="_blank">barracuda</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/caja_de_carton" target="_blank">Caja de Carton</a>, <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/armadillomedia" target="_blank">Armadillo…</a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>CuatrOOjos: An Experimedia Project has kicked off to a great start! We (myself and Carolina Vasquez) are working with wonderful artists, performers, designers and filmmakers including <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/pdmono">PDMono</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/Barracudavoraz">barracuda</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/caja_de_carton">Caja de Carton</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/armadillomedia">Armadillo Media</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/sorpresaKliente">Sorpresa Caliente</a>, <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter.com/#!/bololo_lab">Bololo Lab</a> and many other individual artists</p>
<p> </p>
<p>(I wish I could see more cultural events and urban art galleries)</p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360219?profile=original"><img class="align-left" width="700" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360219?profile=original"/></a></p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360258?profile=original" target="_self"></a></p>
<a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360258?profile=original" target="_self"><br />
</a><br />
<div>Our first event was at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/los.encantos" target="_blank">Los Encantos del Trapatio</a> where we created a large colourful photo booth where we asked anyone and everyone to pop by to finish the sentence “Yo desearía poder ver…” which means “I wish I could see..” We then took a picture of them holding their wish.</div>
<div>Over a hundred people came by and many came back and brought friends and family back to share the experience with them. </div>
<div>The answers were such an interesting mix, ranging from "I wish I could see what my subconcious sees" to "I wish I could see a Colombia with no violence" to "I wish I could see Colombia win the World Cup!" You can see the others on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.187126078007796.54463.169847323069005">this Facebook page</a>. (all the sentences are translated underneath each photo).</div>
<div>What do you think? If you were asked that question what would you're answer be? Please comment below and we'll include it into our project. </div>
<div>To keep up to date with all Cuatroojos events this summer check out <a target="_blank" href="http://cuatroojos.co/">our site</a>, follow us on <a target="_blank" href="http://twitter">twitter</a> or like us on <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/cuatroojosproject?ref=ts">facebook</a>.</div>
<p> </p>
<p>(I wish I could see myself fly)</p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360531?profile=original" target="_self"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360531?profile=original" width="700" class="align-left"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>Looking at the world this summer with Cuatr00jostag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2011-06-13:3152760:BlogPost:584602011-06-13T13:23:46.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p> </p>
<p><a href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360654?profile=original" target="_self"><img class="align-center" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360654?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024" width="750"></img></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I want to share with you all some information on an experience that I and Carolina Vasquez will be embarking on in Colombia this summer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cuatr00jos means 'four eyes' in Spanish. It's a saying in Colombia that encourages people to look at the world differently. When you put a pair of glasses on you'll be looking at things with new…</p>
<p> </p>
<p><a target="_self" href="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360654?profile=original"><img class="align-center" width="750" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999360654?profile=RESIZE_1024x1024"/></a></p>
<p> </p>
<p>I want to share with you all some information on an experience that I and Carolina Vasquez will be embarking on in Colombia this summer.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Cuatr00jos means 'four eyes' in Spanish. It's a saying in Colombia that encourages people to look at the world differently. When you put a pair of glasses on you'll be looking at things with new eyes. And that's exactly what what we want to do with this experimedia project. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>And EVERYONE can get invloved!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Here's how-</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Create- </strong>You can be physically with us in Barranquilla and participate in any way that you want to. Come and share your skills and be ready to experiment.</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Copy- </strong>If we’re experimenting with time lapse or painting all the bins in the city centre why don't you do the same in your hometown? Go on, I dare you!</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong>Comment- </strong>If Barranquilla’s a little too far for you you can share your thoughts with us here, online. Comment on our experiments, suggest ideas and please feel free to tell us how we can do things differently. The key purpose for this summer is that we all learn new ways of being creative.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>So come join us on the <a href="http://cuatroojos.co/" target="_blank">website</a> and follow us on <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/cuatr00jos" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. </p>
<p> </p>
<p>Thanks for reading,</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Beth.x</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Welai di pan gai sbectol!!!</p>
<p>(see you when I get glasses)</p>
<p> </p>Unprotected opens in 32 hours!!!tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2010-12-07:3152760:BlogPost:467132010-12-07T12:11:20.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
Bloody hell, that time went quickly!<br />
<br />
32 hours from now will be the first night of Velvet Ensemble's first production.<br />
<br />
There's been blood, sweat and tears which I think is a sign of a really productive rehearsal progress! Everyone's worked so hard and what's made me smile more than anything is that everyone has believed in the play and I am so, so grateful for that. Diolch.<br />
<br />
Now all we need is people to come and watch!<br />
<br />
We'll all be at the bar at the end and would love to talk to you and hear…
Bloody hell, that time went quickly!<br />
<br />
32 hours from now will be the first night of Velvet Ensemble's first production.<br />
<br />
There's been blood, sweat and tears which I think is a sign of a really productive rehearsal progress! Everyone's worked so hard and what's made me smile more than anything is that everyone has believed in the play and I am so, so grateful for that. Diolch.<br />
<br />
Now all we need is people to come and watch!<br />
<br />
We'll all be at the bar at the end and would love to talk to you and hear your feedback- your honest feedback.<br />
<br />
Or, if you have to run off after the play then please leave your thoughts below and I or V or Sarah will be more than happy to respond to your comments. An open discussion is what we want.<br />
<br />
See you tomorrow or Thursday then!<br />
<br />
Beth.xUnprotected- a brand new play by a brand new companytag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2010-11-27:3152760:BlogPost:463322010-11-27T17:41:45.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<div><p style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999348136?profile=original"></img></p>
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I wanted to write this blog for two reasons- the first one is probably obvious which is to let you know that this production exists!…</span></div>
<div><p style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999348136?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
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<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">I wanted to write this blog for two reasons- the first one is probably obvious which is to let you know that this production exists!</span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>The second reason is to talk about my experience of working with such a new company. Cardiff has a great buzz about it these days, there are loads of creatives getting together and putting up nights of readings, short plays and full length productions. I don't know about anyone else but sometimes it feels like I'm playing make believe! When we started rehearsals for 'Unprotected' last week, with no 'proper grown-ups' in the room, it was like we'd decided "ok, I'll be a writer, you can be the director and you two can be the actors!"<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>It was such a surreal feeling but a very exciting one because it feels like we're at the beginning of something. The people that we look up to and admire, the top directors, playwrights, actors and producers of the world- all started somewhere. They all got together in a room and thought "we can do this", someone gave them the opportunity to try things out, make lots of mistakes and learn from them and people came to support them knowing that they would see something raw, fresh and young.<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>And that's exactly what we have. A brand new production with young, fresh and raw talent.<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>It'll be great if you can come and join us and be a part of the beginning of Velvet Ensemble<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Beth.x<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br/></span></div>
<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(102, 102, 102); font-family: Verdana, Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;">Velvet Ensemble Theatre Company presents UNPROTECTED, a new play by Bethan Marlow, in co-production with Wales Millennium Centre, this December.<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Having participated in Wales Millennium Centre’s Incubator Project in 2009, with a creative collaboration process titled; Never Fear Love? Velvet Ensemble has been awarded co-production by Wales Millennium Centre to develop this work into a full production.<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Unprotected follows Violet, who, having left home embarks on a life with no boundaries, she can now do anything and be anyone - it's like playing a game! But, as soon as she starts playing with that mysterious thing called love she discovers that the lines are blurred, the rules uncertain and a question rises- who's in control?<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Directed by Sarah Bickerton<br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Performed by Rhian Blythe and Gareth Milton<br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Design by Gwyn Eiddior<br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Lighting by Ace McCarron<br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Fight by Rachel Bown-Williams<br style="line-height: 17px;"/><br style="line-height: 17px;"/>Unprotected plays at Wales Millennium Centre’s Weston Studio on 8th and 9th December 2010 at 8pm. Tickets are available from <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.wmc.org.uk/" target="_blank" style="line-height: 17px; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none; color: rgb(0, 210, 0); cursor: pointer;">www.wmc.org.uk</a> or by contacting the Box Office on 029 2063 6464</span></div>Challenge 4- this one's easy!!!tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2010-07-19:3152760:BlogPost:377712010-07-19T13:19:21.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
RELATION TO LOCATION<br />
<br />
Ok, so here's a challenge that doesn't require much writing back just typing one word so SURELY you can play this one!!!<br />
<br />
Here's a game that is written for a very specific location. Read the details below and see if you can guess which location it is.<br />
<br />
EVERYONE who gets the answer right will receive a prize in the post- won't tell you what it is, it's a surprise!<br />
<br />
KISS OR KILL<br />
<br />
This game is a physical challenge that takes approximately 4 days to play (if you start from…
RELATION TO LOCATION<br />
<br />
Ok, so here's a challenge that doesn't require much writing back just typing one word so SURELY you can play this one!!!<br />
<br />
Here's a game that is written for a very specific location. Read the details below and see if you can guess which location it is.<br />
<br />
EVERYONE who gets the answer right will receive a prize in the post- won't tell you what it is, it's a surprise!<br />
<br />
KISS OR KILL<br />
<br />
This game is a physical challenge that takes approximately 4 days to play (if you start from first base).<br />
<br />
Most of the game play happens in the early mornings but you need to be fully committed and alert throughout the four days.<br />
<br />
Game- You have to find the missing child (which will be a red flag) before the cannibals take her away and eat her. You have to read maps, find clues, listen to radio messages (no phone signal here) and talk to the locals (although you don't speak the same language) to figure which way to get to her quickly but safely. (the natural terrain of this location can be lethal).<br />
<br />
Camping gear is necessary and walking boots essential.<br />
<br />
The story- Your daughter has been kidnapped by cannibals. She's only three years old. They've left you a clue as to where she is but you soon realise that they want your flesh too. You have a choice- to let your daughter go or to face the challenge of getting her back. The biggest problem is that these cannibals live high, high up.<br />
<br />
Your mission is to protect yourself, save your daughter and get the hell out of here!<br />
<br />
Answers in the comments box below please.<br />
<br />
Good luck everybody!<br />
<br />
Beth.xYOU could be a winner too!tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2010-06-30:3152760:BlogPost:359982010-06-30T16:17:02.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
So, the games have begun!<br />
<br />
I put up a challenge last week to all in the community- how to explain the game of Tetris in a dramatic script. We had some great suggestions and our lucky winner was Mick Greenway! A bottle of red is on it's way to him.<br />
<br />
Here's the link if you want to have a read-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/group/ntw5/forum/topics/challenge-make-rules-and">http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/group/ntw5/forum/topics/challenge-make-rules-and</a><br />
<br />
BUT, you…
So, the games have begun!<br />
<br />
I put up a challenge last week to all in the community- how to explain the game of Tetris in a dramatic script. We had some great suggestions and our lucky winner was Mick Greenway! A bottle of red is on it's way to him.<br />
<br />
Here's the link if you want to have a read-<br />
<br />
<a href="http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/group/ntw5/forum/topics/challenge-make-rules-and">http://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/group/ntw5/forum/topics/challenge-make-rules-and</a><br />
<br />
BUT, you can still play- send your scripts, try it with another game, you can even send a video!<br />
<br />
AND there will be a new challenge with a new prize set by Carl next MONDAY 5th JULY.<br />
<br />
Good luck!<br />
<br />
Beth.xWelcome to Prestatyntag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2010-06-23:3152760:BlogPost:352922010-06-23T08:45:15.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
NTW05 is getting near and so we thought we'd introduce you to the people that we've met along the way.<div><div><br></br></div>
<div>Thank you very much to Carolina Vasquez for editing it all…</div>
</div>
NTW05 is getting near and so we thought we'd introduce you to the people that we've met along the way.<div><div><br/></div>
<div>Thank you very much to Carolina Vasquez for editing it all together.</div>
<div><br/></div>
<div><br/></div>
</div>
<br/>
<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/US6-fWaj8iY&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="never"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/US6-fWaj8iY&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="never" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>Shakespeare has logged on to Twitter!tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2010-04-12:3152760:BlogPost:295672010-04-12T18:30:00.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<a href="http://www.suchtweetsorrow.com">www.suchsweetsorrow.com</a><br></br>
<br></br>
In this ground-breaking experiment, Romeo and Juliet is coming to life across and through a social network, Twitter.<br></br>
<br></br>
Throughout the five weeks of this performance, you will see and read the “tweets” - Twitter updates which may be thoughts, messages, links or confessions - of Romeo, Juliet and four other characters .<br></br>
<br></br>
They are being brought to your Twitter-stream by six actors from the Royal…
<a href="http://www.suchtweetsorrow.com">www.suchsweetsorrow.com</a><br/>
<br/>
In this ground-breaking experiment, Romeo and Juliet is coming to life across and through a social network, Twitter.<br/>
<br/>
Throughout the five weeks of this performance, you will see and read the “tweets” - Twitter updates which may be thoughts, messages, links or confessions - of Romeo, Juliet and four other characters .<br/>
<br/>
They are being brought to your Twitter-stream by six actors from the Royal Shakespeare Company. Each of them has a “script” designed by Mudlark's writing team of Tim Wright and Bethan Marlow, under the direction of the RSC's Roxana Silbert.<br/>
<br/>
The actors will write their actual tweets themselves, using the rich backgrounds the writers have given them, along with a detailed diary that tells them where their characters are at any one moment of the adventure- what they are feeling, who they are with, who they want to talk to.<br/>
<br/>
This may be as ordinary as telling us what they had for breakfast or as remarkable as announcing a deep, deep love.<br/>
<br/>
It will all take place at the time (GMT) it would in real life.Never Fear Love?- a note from Bethan.tag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2009-11-08:3152760:BlogPost:198692009-11-08T13:31:19.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
Hi, everybody.<br />
<br />
Well, like V said, it's been a roller coaster! I always thought that the first week of the two would be the most difficult but now that I'm about to embark on my second week I was wrong- the two weeks are going to be very difficult! It's unbelievable that I gave myself the challenge to write a play in a day, every day for five days. As everyone left me to it for the lunch hour to write I was thinking to myself "why did I come up with this idea?" but at the end of every day I…
Hi, everybody.<br />
<br />
Well, like V said, it's been a roller coaster! I always thought that the first week of the two would be the most difficult but now that I'm about to embark on my second week I was wrong- the two weeks are going to be very difficult! It's unbelievable that I gave myself the challenge to write a play in a day, every day for five days. As everyone left me to it for the lunch hour to write I was thinking to myself "why did I come up with this idea?" but at the end of every day I knew why- because I was buzzing!<br />
I'm a firm believer in 'doing things'. I get impatient waiting for things to happen and I write best in a "lock-in" situation. I also believe that we can all take everything we do that one step further. From actors to directors to writers and artists, however brave we want to be there are so many times that we stop at the last level but one. I'm not excusing myself from this, I do it too, but in this Incubator project we're doing our best to support and encourage each other to get to that very last level. And so, if you come on Sat 14th (which you are very welcome to) whatever we create, however "good" it is, it will have come from a collection of Welsh creators that are not apologising for their production- it'll be brave, thought provoking, edgy, raw and honest.<br />
Now I guess I better go and write it!Hatty Rainbow- brand new online dramatag:community.nationaltheatrewales.org,2009-09-25:3152760:BlogPost:173922009-09-25T07:32:24.000ZBethan Marlowhttps://community.nationaltheatrewales.org/profile/BethanMarlow
<p style="text-align: left;"><img alt="" src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999338505?profile=original"></img></p>
<b>www.youtube.com/hattyrainbow</b><br />
<br />
Hi everybody. So, I'm still drowning in the whole world of online drama and learning more everyday. I know I've put a few discussions up about ARG and online interactive drama but thought that this would be a chance for you to see it in action.<br />
<br />
Hatty Rainbow is a kooky musician that was raised in a hippy commune and is doing her best to fit into university life in Cardiff.<br />
<br />
She uploads new videos every Sunday and…
<p style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2999338505?profile=original" alt=""/></p>
<b>www.youtube.com/hattyrainbow</b><br />
<br />
Hi everybody. So, I'm still drowning in the whole world of online drama and learning more everyday. I know I've put a few discussions up about ARG and online interactive drama but thought that this would be a chance for you to see it in action.<br />
<br />
Hatty Rainbow is a kooky musician that was raised in a hippy commune and is doing her best to fit into university life in Cardiff.<br />
<br />
She uploads new videos every Sunday and Thursday and you can interact with her on Facebook and Twitter. Who knows, she might even appear on the National Theatre Wales website!<br />
<br />
Here's the link-<br />
<br />
www.youtube.com/hattyrainbow<br />
<br />
Have fun!<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/hattyrainbow" target="_blank"></a>