The Challenges of Creating bilingual theatre (Welsh:English/Cymraeg:Saesneg).:

Our intention when starting out on this project was to create bilingual work reflecting a nation that has two official spoken languages; We also felt was the perfect medium for a play that talks about 'home'/'cartref'

We understood that this would present challenges in terms of accessibility for those non Welsh Speakers but the authenticity of the play necessitated it; Our main character is a first language Welsh Speaker, living in a Welsh Seaside town and the supporting characters are visitors form England.

As a company we felt that any subtitles or other devices would be distracting and interfere with the intimate storytelling nature so we opted for an English Language Summary, such as you may get at the Opera. During rehearsals we developed this idea into a more interactive summary, using Welsh words to illustrate points in the story, so as to make the non Welsh Speaking audience feel included as well as informed.

Our audience response has been incredible!

From our Welsh and non-welsh speaking audiences:

" Sioe ardderchoh! Wedi mwynhau yn arw a'r elfen ddwyieithog yn gweithio'n gret!"

"Sioe arbennig o dda, wedi ei mwynhau yn fawr. "

"Excellent Production with three exceptional actresses"

"beautifully crafted"

In honesty some of our non welsh speaking audience have felt it was a little too much welsh for them but still enjoyed none the less

"I really enjoyed the show, i am currently doing the beginners course so it was hard keeping up at times but i still got the humour"

We would love Non Welsh Speakers to come along and let us know what you think

Thursday 16 & Friday 17th- Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff http://www.chapter.org/
Saturday 18th, Redhouse Cymru , Merthyr Tydfil http://www.redhousecymru.com/about-us/
Wednesday 22nd - The Welfare, Ystradgynlais http://www.thewelfare.co.uk/

www.triongl.com  @triongltheatr 

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