Theatrau Sir Gâr’s (Carmarthenshire Theatres) first ever production is touring until May 26. Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris is a dark and mischievous black (death) comedy about crisis and corruption set in the forgotten and lawless village of Pentreufargirec, 1348.
This Welsh language comedy is written and directed by Chris Harris, a dramatist and translator from Cwmbran, living in Bridgend. Chris is the recipient of The Richard Carne Playwriting Award, 2011 and a Peggy Ramsay Foundation grant. As well Pla Du, Chris is currently developing new work with several other companies including Theatr Bara Caws, Awen Cultural Trust and Blackwood Miners Institute.
“I’m very excited to be presenting a dark comedy with a subtle underbelly rooted in our changing behaviour during the pandemic,” says Chris, “But the key argument must not be lost– that when crisis calls, there are individuals that gain from the misfortune of others. The play will speak to audiences – figuratively and literally!
“We will give the audience an outrageous experience – one that takes them to a completely different world to reflect – as well as laugh – at ourselves and our changing behaviour over the past two years.”
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan.
The brave and fearless cast members stepping into the characters’ tattered shoes include Berwyn Pearce, originally from Pontypridd, known for his role in Sherman Cymru’s Woof and from his TV role in Pobl Y Cwm, and plays Twm – a medieval con-artist.
Carmarthenshire actress Alis Wyn Davies recently appeared alongside Sir Ian McKellen in The Theatre Royal Windsor’s production of Hamlet and is exchanging glitz and glamour for the mucky shoes of Mari Anni, a revolutionary manure seller with dreams of freedom!
Iwan Charles, originally from Dyffryn Clwyd but now based in Gwynedd has performed in many plays across Wales including Theatr Bara Caws Dawel Nos, and on television, S4C’s Y Goleudy. This time round, he’s, the Tax Collector desperately seeking love!
Ffani Anni completes this gruesome foursome, a hopeless romantic who’s really, ill and longing for her long-lost love! Played by Anni Dafydd from rural Ceredigion, who recently appeared in Arad Goch’s Clera.
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan. 
A scene from Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du by Chris Harris with set design by Luned Gwawr Evans. Photo by Kirsten McTernan.
Following Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du‘s launch at Ffwrnes, Llanelli last week, the play can be seen at the following venues in coming weeks:
- 10 May, Borough Theatre, Abergavenny
- 12 May, Porthcawl Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl
- 16 May, Theatr Brycheiniog, Brecon
- 17 May, Pontardawe Art Centre, Pontardawe
- 18 May, Blackwood Miners’ Institute, Blackwood
- 19 May, Barry Memo, Barry
- 23 May, Pontio, Bangor
- 24 May, Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli
- 25 May, Theatr Mwldan, Cardigan
- 26 May, Lyric, Carmarthen
The show featuring eccentric characters, sarcastic humour, fluffy puppets and singing goats is recommended for those aged 14+. It is suitable for Welsh learners and Sibrwd, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s language access app will be available at all performances to ensure that the play is accessible for Welsh learners. There will be special BSL performances by Cathryn Mc Shane– Kouyatè at Llanelli, at Blackwood Miners’ Institute on 18th May, and at Pontio on May 23rd.
The creative team includes design by Luned Gwawr Evans, music by Lynwen Haf Roberts while the play is produced by Ffion Glyn and Sharon Casey. Golygfeydd o’r Pla Du has received funding from Arts Council Wales and is supported by Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.
- For full tour details visit Carmarthenshire Theatre’s website