National Theatre Wales’ The Stick Maker Tales, an evocative one-man show about the unforgiving environment of a hill farm and the very human emotions of its ageing farmer, is coming to Theatr Brycheiniog on Tuesday (May 7).
Written by Peter Cox and directed by the company’s artistic director, Kully Thiarai, it introduces audiences to a hardy and weathered mid-Wales hill farmer nearing retirement, who reflects on a lifetime’s work on the farm and his memories of life before the National Health Service came into being.
Shepherd Geth Roberts might be getting on in years, but he still lives alone, high in the Elan Valley above the market town of Rhayader.
He is a born storyteller who has spent his whole life working his wild and windswept farm, hidden away in the timeless Cambrian Mountains beneath the awesome beauty of the Elan night skies. But now Geth faces his greatest ever challenge: his sight is failing and if he can’t see then his life has no purpose – he can’t work the farm, look after his beloved dog or carve the exquisite Shepherd’s Crooks for which he’s famous.
Award-winning actor Llion Williams reprises his role as Geth in this three-week tour, for which tickets are now on sale.
Director Kully Thiarai said: “We really enjoyed working on this beautiful and poetic show written by Peter Cox and performed by the wonderful Llion Williams last year, and can’t wait to share it with a wider audience across Wales. It pays tribute to, and captures the spirit of, some of the hill farmers we met.
Generations have worked this land and their traditions have been passed on. The Stick Maker Tales celebrates both the people and the place and makes you consider what the future might hold for the next generation of hill farmers.”
The Stick Maker Tales at Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon on Tuesday, May 7 starts at 7.30pm. For ticket details call the box office on 01874 611 622 or visit www.brycheiniog.co.uk.