Why to England? The lack of Welsh Criticism in Wales.

 

Originally this next blog was meant to be a review of Theatr Na n’og’s Welsh language production of ‘Salsa’, but after the performance, I couldn’t quite bring myself to write about it. I’m not saying it was all bad. For what it was it was perfectly enjoyable, if the thing you enjoy is sexual innuendo and a recurring ‘falling down the stairs’ joke. Which, incidentally I don’t, but each to their own. After feeling slightly disheartened, the next night I went to see Hamlet at the Young Vic, and my faith in Theatre was thankfully restored. Of course it was: Michael Sheen took the leading role in an Ian Rickson production. This complete contrast in quality of productions made me see a possible answer to something which I have often questioned: why do the Welsh go to English Theatre? I’m not saying that English Theatre has a better quality, far from it. In fact, I have often argued the opposite. I simply think that this is stemmed to a bigger problem, one which applies to both Welsh playwrights and Welsh actors, and that is, the lack of criticism we have here in Wales.

 

Just to look at it simply to begin with. I search both phrases ‘Salsa reviews’ and ‘Adolygiadau Salsa’, the bilingualism potentially an advantage. A mere six reviews is nothing to compare with the endless pages of results I get with my search for Michael Sheen as Hamlet. Arguably, this could be down to Theatr Na n’og up against the Young Vic; of course the results are going to be fewer because ‘Salsa’ is a Welsh language production. However, the same lack of results comes up for National Theatre Wales’ production of ‘The Village Social’. Why? Is it any wonder that the Welsh cross the bridge?  In London you can see countless shows every night of the week. In Wales, you’re lucky to find one every few weeks, and then a lack of critical acclaim will follow, which will then continue this cycle of a poor number of Welsh productions. So why is there such a lack of criticism? Critic Megan Jones asks the same question. She observes, “Even after the excitement generated by various Welsh productions staged across Wales, something important is missing-Theatre Critics.” [1]She believes this is linked to a lack of National newspapers, as The Western Mail is generally the only Welsh newspaper that publishes Welsh theatre reviews.

 

Last month, National Theatre Wales held an event to pose these questions raised by so many recently. The event’s objective was to encourage and perhaps instruct in the craft of new theatre criticism in Wales. One solution raised at the event was to potentially create a Welsh website similar to the Artsdesk, a website used to promote new criticism. I believe such a website would encourage younger people to write reviews and publish them online rather than focus on getting the reviews in the limited Welsh newspapers. More reviews would lead to more people going to see these Welsh productions, which would hopefully increase the productions available to an audience in Wales.

 

I truly believe we are in the middle of something: the rejuvenation of Welsh Theatre to be precise. National Theatre Wales’ explosive innovative Theatre is an exciting prospect, as is Arwel Gruffudd’s takeover as Theatr Genedlaethol’s Artistic Director. The opening of Sherman Cymru next February is edging closer, and with the release of their fantastic new programme, I think it’s safe to say that Welsh Theatre is on the up. So why can’t the same be said for Welsh criticism? Maybe that comes with taking a risk. Staging Welsh theatre at the risk of not receiving the acclaim it deserves. Maybe that’s what needs to be done, and if enough people are aware of the problem, then hopefully we can surface from this rut and make new Welsh criticism as exciting as new Welsh Theatre.



[1]Jones, M, 2011, Dydd Y Farn? [online] Barn available at http://www.cylchgrawnbarn.com/index.php?option=com_content&view...

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Comment by Chelsey Gillard on November 20, 2011 at 5:04

Couldn't agree more! To be fair to National Theatre Wales they have welcomed criticism of their work but where are the estabilshed platforms to share these reviews? There is only so much you can do with message boards and blogs.

Can't wait for your next article.

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