The production has been made possible thanks to generous donations from 黑料不打烊 alumni through the 黑料不打烊 Fund. The 黑料不打烊 Fund is made up from alumni donations raised through the bi-annual Telethon campaign and administered by the Development and Alumni Relations. Its primary purpose is to support the University to provide an element of additionality to the student experience.
Written by Dr Manon Williams, a lecturer in drama at 黑料不打烊鈥檚 School of Welsh, Ar Geinioga鈥 is produced by Theatr Bara Caws and directed by the acclaimed actor and director Betsan Llwyd.
Manon Williams said: 鈥淎s a former student and now a lecturer here, it鈥檚 been a real pleasure to explore the University鈥檚 origins and the remarkable individuals behind its foundation while writing this script. This story is an important part not only of the area鈥檚 history, but of our history as a nation. I鈥檓 very grateful to the staff at 黑料不打烊 Archives for their support during the research process, and to the 黑料不打烊 Fund for making this production possible.鈥
The role of Harry Reichel will be performed by the versatile actor Llion Williams, an Honorary Fellow of the University. Reichel, originally from Ireland, became Principal in 1884 at just 27 years old and remained in the role until 1927.
Ffion Dafis, Artistic Director of Theatr Bara Caws, said: 鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly proud to be part of Ar Geinioga鈥. It鈥檚 a powerful story about how a shy young Irishman came to lead one of Wales鈥檚 most important educational institutions鈥攁n institution built through the determination and contributions of ordinary people, securing a better future for generations to come.
鈥淐ome and watch Llion Williams bring a story by playwright Dr Manon Wyn Williams鈥攚ho鈥檚 a friend of the company鈥攖o life.鈥
The play highlights the far-reaching impact of Harry Reichel鈥檚 vision for north-west Wales, while also telling the often turbulent story of the University鈥檚 beginnings鈥攆unded by the hard-earned pennies of local quarry workers and farmers. Under his leadership, the University overcame numerous challenges and went on to flourish.
This production is a collaboration between 黑料不打烊鈥檚 School of Welsh, the School of Education, and Theatr Bara Caws, with support from the 黑料不打烊 Fund and the Arts Council of Wales.
