All youth theatres are equal but some are more equal than others . . . this year's summer project is by member demand. George's Orwell's political "fairy-tale" satire, Animal Farm, is currently in rehearsal.
According to custom, this is a close collaboration between the director and a small group of the most senior members, some of whom will be taking part in their final production with us, before moving away to higher (?) things.
As ever with MYT - expect the unexpected!
Limited seating at all venues, so reservation is advised. Phone 01938 811 001 for tickets, £5 full, £3 concessions for students. Advisory age 11+.
MYT is 25 Years Young!
Saturday 5 April 2008 takes its place in the annals of the Youth Theatre as the day when we celebrated 25 years of fun and success, and reunited "old" members from every major production since our foundation in 1983. They came from London, Newcastle, Bradford, New York ....... oh, and Welshpool and all places around. Greetings were sent from Australia and Sweden. Dozens of people from the dispersed MYT "family" joined present members, and the management committee, for an evening of "Do you remember ........?" and "I can't believe it's you!"
The performance of Celebration was devised to draw on as many past productions as possible, and if they were not represented in words and action, there was at least a prop or costume on stage. Presented some of their yesterdays to the people who had been the first creators of the roles was a privilege, and the production was a tribute to the people who made MYT what it is today - one of the most long-lived, popular and successful youth theatres in the UK. An extensive display of our past glories was on view in the theatre foyer.
Performance was followed by party. Jane Howells had created a wonderful birthday cake (see pic), Penny Jones provided a superb buffet spread, and we had balloons as well. There's a selection of pics in the gallery, which sum up some of the atmosphere. Ginny wants to thank everyone for coming, and making it such a special occasion, and, especially, for the gifts and commemorative books, full of thoughful comments, which sum up completely what MYT is all about. Here's to the next 25 years!
We have produced a commemorative booklet (above) and will be happy to send a copy to any "old" member or supporter who would like one. Email with your address. to:
Ginny Graham
mytheatre@fsmail.net
charity no. 516040
Our Work
MYT is an independent youth theatre, with charity status, based in Welshpool, Powys.
It provides professionally-led, year-round workshops, projects and productions to young people from 10 upwards, in age-related groups. Currently, there are approximately 70 active members.
Membership is open. No auditions, nor selection - the only requirement is that members work together with good humour and commitment, and respect for the work they do together. At times, there will be a waiting list for entry to certain groups, because so many people want to join.
Over the years MYT has enabled hundreds of young people to enjoy working in a dynamic and supportive environment, to explore their own and others’ creative ideas, and entertain many different kinds of audiences - locally, further afield, and in other countries.
contact:
Ginny Graham
mytheatre@fsmail.net
charity no. 516040
Annual Report 06-07
Addrodiad Blynyddol 06-07
the Mechanicals from Midsummer Night's Dream
Gallery 1| Gallery 2 | Gallery 3 |
This year's summer touring production is a dramatisation of George Orwell's Animal Farm.
A timeless social and political allegory, this play will confront its audiences with uncomfortable truths about the human condition, whilst entertaining them with our usual passion and commitment.
Read all about the re-union and the performance on the left, there's also a personal view of the production at the foot of this page.
*** RECENT PRODUCTIONS ***
CELEBRATION
Read all about the re-union and the performance on the left, there's also a personal view of the production at the foot of this page.
For images of the production click on the thumbnails above. For images of the party click here
ENCOUNTERS
Performances took place at on April 25th & 26th Oriel Davies, Newtown & on April 27th at Theatr Clera, Welshpool. Another great success!
WHAT THEY SAY ABOUT US . . .
In 1997, an assessor from the National Theatre saw the production of Asleep Under the Dark Earth which was subsequently invited for performance at the Cottesloe.
In his report he said:
“This is clearly a well organised and popular youth theatre with a tradition of innovative staging (and) mutual support . . . a really happy company inspired and encouraged by strong direction. There is a strong sense of the company’s identity and tradition. A preference for simple and striking images and a respect for the ensemble over the individual. This style has emerged over years and there is a sense of continuity in the return of former members, some now drama students, to watch and support. Commitment is clearly not a problem. I was struck by their confidence and belief in the company above and beyond a single show. They expect high standards of themselves and clearly achieve them.”
This is the standard we set ourselves.
. . . and this is what one member of the audience thought of our Celebration piece:
"Celebration began with a journey, a straggle from the audience who make their way to the stage; and since the journey from audience to stage is the one the young people actually do make, it was a nice touch.
On stage, it began with self-reference, a play from the past repertoire, and a Welsh play. Textually appropriate too – to begin at the beginning. Already a piece wonderfully economical and direct. . . "
click here to read more (PDF)