National Youth Theatre of Wales Unveils ‘Dal Gafael / Hold On’: A Powerful Play Exploring Identity and Climate Crisis

This September, the National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) will debut its latest production, Dal Gafael / Hold On, in partnership with Fio and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. The bilingual play will premiere on September 4th at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre, followed by performances at Galeri Caernarfon, showing the extraordinary talents of 22 young actors from across Wales.

Directed by Dr. Sita Thomas, an NYTW alumna, Dal Gafael / Hold On is a compelling play that intertwines the lives of two individuals facing personal challenges against the backdrop of a climate crisis. The story, set in the futuristic city of Echo Earth, tells a story of the promises and perils of a society that claims to protect its citizens while raising crucial questions about identity, friendship, and our collective responsibility to the planet.

The play is co-written by Welsh playwrights Mared Llywelyn and Steven Kavuma, whose distinct backgrounds and perspectives enrich the plot. Mared, from Pen Llŷn, and Steven, who was born in Uganda and raised in Swansea, incorporate elements of Welsh culture and global awareness into the script. Their collaboration, which took place both online and in person, explores contemporary issues through the lens of Welsh folklore, making Dal Gafael / Hold On a truly notable production.

The cast, selected after a rigorous audition process earlier this year, spent three weeks in August in an immersive residency designed to foster not only their theatrical skills, but also their social well-being. This experience provided a nurturing environment where the young performers could thrive, learn and grow together as they prepared to bring this complex story to life.

Dr. Sita Thomas expressed her enthusiasm for returning to NYTW to direct this year’s production:

“As a former member of the National Youth Theatre of Wales in 2006, it is a true honour to return to direct this year’s production. This collaboration marks a powerful alliance highlighting our joint dedication to nurturing the talent of Wales’ next generation of actors and theatre makers. Together, we have embarked on a journey to spotlight Global Majority and Welsh language stories, cultures, and politics. This production promises to be a celebration of our Welsh heritage, and a display of the vibrant theatrical scene that Wales has to offer.”

Echoing this excitement, Steffan Donnelly, Artistic Director of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, noted: “It’s very exciting for Theatr Gen to be collaborating with Fio and NYTW on a new bilingual piece examining the climate crisis and centering young voices in contemporary Wales. This production offers young people experiences and pathways into the arts which is so important to us. Back in 2009, I was a member of the National Youth Theatre of Wales, and it was an incredible formative experience – I learned so much, and I’m still friends with many of the artists I met there – so being part of this project feels especially meaningful.”

The production is further enriched by the creative contributions of sound designer Eadyth Crawford, whose sonic design will envelop the audience, enhancing the emotional depth of the performance. This, combined with the play’s use of visuals, will ensure that Dal Gafael / Hold On is a multi-sensory experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Co-writers Mared Llywelyn and Steven Kavuma are equally passionate about the themes of identity, friendship, grief, and the climate crisis explored in the play. Mared reflected on the opportunity to create a bilingual work that addresses such significant topics, by stating, “I’m deeply inspired by the opportunity to co-write a bilingual play that talks about climate and identity, grounded in Welsh folklore.” And Steven, writing for young people in Wales for the first time, shared his excitement: “This is my first writing for young people in Wales, and I’m so excited to collaborate with Mared and write material that suits Welsh audiences. Cymru am byth and dat, yeah.”

Megan Childs, Producer for NYTW, emphasised the importance of this collaboration: “By bringing together outstanding creative partners and artists, NYTW aims to elevate the stories and experiences of the young people of Wales and make sure our talented young company get to shine on stage.”

When Dal Gafael / Hold On premieres on the 4th of September in South Wales before touring to North Wales, it would serve as an invitation to the audience to engage with the pressing issues of our time, a critical platform for discussing our shared future, and a significant moment in Welsh theatre.

Performance Dates:
All performances will be captioned in both Welsh and English.

•Cardiff: Sherman Theatre, Tue 3 Sept – 8pm; Wed 4 Sep – 8pm BSL interpreted & Audio Described
•Caernarfon: Galeri, Fri 6 Sept – 7.30pm Captioned; Saturday 7 Sept – 5pm

For more information and updates, please visit nyaw.org.uk and follow the journey on social media @NationalYouthTheatreWales.

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Photography by Kirsten McTernan @kirstenmcternanphotography

Written by Angel Joanne Okonkwo