It was The Bard himself who once wrote, “A rose by any other name would smell as sweet”, and a Welsh theatre company is set to put the wisdom behind that maxim to the test, as it brings a Welsh language version of a Shakespearean work to London’s Globe theatre for the first time.
The iconic theatre (a reconstruction of the original Globe Theatre, built in 1599) in the English capital has been hosting performances since 1997, but a new version of Shakespeare’s timeless Romeo and Juliet, produced by Theatr Cymru, will mark the first production at the venue to feature the Welsh language.
The new version of the beloved tale, entitled Romeo a Juliet, is half in Welsh and half in English, with the story’s two rival families, the Capulets and the Montagues, speaking in English and Cymraeg (Welsh) respectively. This means audiences lucky enough to snag tickets for the special performances, scheduled for early November, will hear some of Shakespeare's best-loved monologues delivered in the Welsh tongue. (Though Theatr Cymru’s translation app, Sibrwd, will be on hand to provide assistance to audience members who need it.)
Ahead of this momentous showing at the Globe’s indoor performance space, known as the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse, the play is currently touring Wales throughout October, with stops at a number of Welsh towns and cities, including Bangor and Llanelli. The show’s debut at Cardiff’s Sherman Theatre at the beginning of the month garnered a host of positive reviews, with arts and culture-focused website The Edit describing the performance as “bilingual theatre at its boldest” and “a love letter to language”.
The show’s upcoming performance at the Globe in the English capital is significant, marking both Theatr Cymru’s debut at one of the premier venues associated with Shakespeare, as well as serving as an opportunity to expose tourists from around the world – who flock to the world-famous playhouse – to the Welsh language. According to The Globe’s own stats, past seasons have drawn audience members from across the UK, Europe and the US, with some ticketholders making the journey from as far afield as Japan and Singapore.
The cast for the show will be led by Steffan Cennydd and Isabella Colby Browne in the title roles, supported by an ensemble of emerging and established Welsh performers.
Speaking about the new bilingual adaptation, play director Steffan Donnelly, said, ‘This is a significant milestone for the Welsh language, for Theatr Cymru, for the Globe and for the growing popularity and creativity of bilingual theatre-making.’
‘Most of the world’s population speak more than one language, and the complexities of a dual identity are a perfect frame for Shakespeare’s classic play about two families in conflict. We are extremely proud and excited to share this production with audiences on both sides of the border,’ he added.
Though it is the first play performed at the Shakespeare’s Globe complex to feature the Welsh language, it is not the first time Welsh has been spoken in the hallowed venue. One of Shakespeare’s sonnets was translated into Welsh and read on stage by actor Owain Arthur as part of The Globe’s 2012 Globe to Globe festival, which saw 154 of Shakespeare’s sonnets performed in more than 25 different languages.
So, will a rose, when called a rhosyn, sound just as sweet? We’re certain it will.
Romeo a Juliet will be touring around Wales during October, before arriving at the Globe’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse in London for six performances from 5-8 November. For more info on show dates, venues included in the tour and how to book tickets, head over to the Theatr Cymru website.
Alternatively, learn more about where to watch excellent live theatre in Wales.