DRAMA MEDAL FOR RHYDIAN

CAERNARFON-BORN Rhydian Gwyn Lewis was awarded the Drama Medal at the National Eisteddfod.

Rhydian has worked as a script editor for long-running series Pobol y Cwm for almost five years, and his work with a wide range of writers and actors, and being part of the editorial team, has taught him a lot about dramatic writing.

The 28-year-old (pictured) said working on the series had taught him the importance of structure and plot.

He said his winning work ‘Maes Gwyddno’ is based in a pub in Grangetown, Cardiff, in 2051.

“Wales is about to be swallowed by England, and a group of four young people are preparing to protest by carrying out a terrorist attack on the Assembly building,” he said.

“But things don’t go to plan, possibly because they argue too much.”

He is looking forward to working with theatre professionals to stage the play at next year’s National Eisteddfod.

“I knew winning plays have been performed in the past and I imagined how it would be staged as I was writing it,” he said.

It was Rhydian’s first success in drama writing after he submitted a play last year.

“It was in the top class and the adjudication was positive, but this is the first time I’ve won a drama writing competition,” he said.

The Drama Medal is presented for a stage play of any length.

The most promising play with the most potential for further development with a professional company is awarded the Medal, presented in memory of the late Urien Wiliam, and a £750 cash prize.

This year’s adjudicators were Sarah Bickerton, Betsan Llwyd and Alun Saunders.