Post-apocalyptic tale of survival and loss
THIS week we talk to Eben James, who appears in Cwmni Fran Wen’s production Llyfr Glas Nebo, which is touring Wales.
Q
Tell us about your family:
A
My family is nice and loud and busy. My parents live in Mold, my brother is a filmmaker and we live in a flat in Croydon. My sister is at dance school in Barcelona. It’s always a bit of a riot when we all get back together.
Q
What are you best known for?
A
Making a lovely cup of tea.
Q
Tell us about your show
A
Llyfr Glas Nebo is the stage adaptation of the smash-hit book of the same name by Manon Steffan Ros. It tells the story of a family who survive Y Terfyn (The End), a world-ending event, and follows them over a decade as they live off the land together alone in rural North West Wales.
Q
When is it running from/to?
A
It’s a tour of Wales that started in Galeri, Caernarfon, on January 31 and ends in Pontio, Bangor on March 6. Check the Fran Wen website (www.franwen.com) for venue details!
Q
What can audiences expect?
A
The unexpected! Obviously if people have read the book then they will recognise the characters and the story, but we hope to bring something new to the play that sets it apart as its own piece of art, which means it can be enjoyed by everyone. Expect a story about loss, independence and what it means to be a family.
Q
Tell us five things which make your show great A
1. The rest of the cast. Tara, who plays Rowenna is absolutely fantastic, and Llyr, Leah and Cêt who play a whole host of other characters are also phenomenal.
2. Manon Steffan Ros has adapted the book herself, so the script is as true to her vision as possible.
3. The music composed by R Seiliog is enchanting. 4. The set, designed by Elin Steele, is beautiful.
5. Look out for some beautiful/horrifying puppets by Olivia Racionzer.
Q
What’s your favourite part of the show?
A
I don’t want to spoil anything now...
Q
Tell us about the costumes. A
They were also designed by Elin Steele. She’s definitely made us look rough and ready!
Q
Tell us what’s good about the venue:
A
Well, it’s a tour, so it’s such a thrill and an honour to be able to perform across the country at all kinds of theatres. It’ll be my first time at a lot of them, so I’ll have to let you know!
Q
Who is the director and what’s their style?
A
Elgan Rhys is a genius. He’s really hands-on and helps us get stuck in nice and quickly. There’s no dawdling in his rehearsal room. He’s also really kind and is brilliant at sensing what we actors need at that moment from him. The show is a blend of naturalism and stylised movement that brings the book and the memories within it into life.
Q
What are your best and worst habits:
A
I wouldn’t want to brag about my best ones, and I’m sure I don’t have any bad habits! Maybe? You’d best ask my partner.
Q
Have you ever forgotten your lines?
A
Oh yeah, of course, everyone has at some point. Doesn’t make it feel any less mortifying, though.
Q
Once the tour has finished what are your plans?
A
Lots and lots of sleep! I’m also planning to visit my sister in Barcelona.