GALERI Caernarfon is set to host a pioneering new production next week.
On March 30 and 31, Alys’ Island, centred around a young woman and her newfound independence after she leaves home for the first time, will showcase a new blend of the arts.
The soundtrack to Alys’ Island was composed and performed virtually by rap artist Lemarl Freckleton and Welsh pop artist Casi Wyn, while the show stars Valmai Jones and Fflur Medi Owen as a mother and daughter falling through centuries as they grapple with the future of the house that has been in their family for generations.
Joining them on stage for her professional debut is Becca Naiga as Alys, the 18-year-old trying to hold it all together as she navigates her way through an independent life.
Gethin Evans, Frân Wen’s Artistic Director, said: “It’s an emotionally explosive portrayal of who we are in times of change, and what we hope to hold on to as we rebuild our world.”
One of Wales' most acclaimed stage actors, Valmai Jones is performing in her first production with Frân Wen, the Menai Bridge-based theatre company behind the production.
Ms Jones includes appearances in BBC's Pitching In, Channel 5’s Mind to Kill and S4C’s iconic C’mon Midffîld.
Gethin Evans added: "The idea for Ynys Alys came from discussion with our Young Company, who are incredibly passionate about Welsh independence.
“But when we spoke to other young people from different parts of Wales it became clear that ‘independence’ really means different things to different people.
“It posed a fundamental question - beyond idealism and romanticisation - what is it we stand for and what kind of world do we want to live in?
“With a question that looks at who we are and where we are going, bringing people together to collaborate and ensure honest and unexpected conversation was a central objective in the making of the piece, that’s where Casi and Lem came on board.”
Newport-based rapper Lemarl Freckleton and singer-songwriter Casi Wyn from Bangor worked side-by-side with playwright Gareth Evans-Jones during the creative process.
Lemarl was previously named among BBC Introducing's Ones to Watch 2021 under his pseudonym Lemfreck.
According to Casi, the soundtrack bridges between quite contrasting musical and cultural styles which has resulted in a completely original and bold production.
Ms Wyn added: “Bilingualism plays its part quite prominently - with Welsh sitting naturally alongside English as we flow in and out of melodies, beats and poetry.”
Performances of Alys’ Island will include English and Welsh captions.
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