In the welsh language exists a word - Hiraeth. It’s that feeling when you really miss something, something that makes you comfortable and safe, and it’s often used when referring to home. I’ve been feeling it a little since moving up to London nearly two months ago. With it being St David’s Day (not enough people outside of Wales were aware which upset me somewhat) I thought it was the perfect opportunity to visit the National’s latest welsh offering.
Romeo and Julie is unsurprisingly a story about two young people from different families falling in love. This incarnation tackles some powerful themes like poverty, alcoholism and young parenthood. This is not just any contemporary telling of Shakespeare's most famous romantic tale, this is a captivating insight at families and their expectations of one another.
Gary Owen is probably my favourite playwright. Not something I’ve thought of until this moment, but Violence and Son, Love Steals Us From Loneliness, Killology are all stunning works that rank among my all time favourites. This tops them all though. The text was real and raw and I knew the characters he’d put to the page. The connection between Romy and Julie was so powerful I was moved to tears because of the strength of their story. Both my partner and I commented that we actually wanted more (!) from the story and the show and I couldn’t help but want another chunk of this show in 10 or 20 years time with the same cast. I want to know how they develop their relationships and what the next generation of these families add to the dynamics.
Unsure if it was intentional but the stage was beautifully created and looked to imitate traditional welsh slate. There was really clever lighting design, which for me represented the frantic heartbeats of the characters, jolting like electric shocks throughout the piece.
All five performances were stellar. It took me a small while to be settled with the titular characters, but by the end I was so convinced of their performances I wanted to go back home and visit them. Paul Brennen and the powerhouse that is Anita Reynolds were insanely watchable. I haven’t seen someone so good at being that real in a character since Siwan Morris' performance in Violence and Son. Catrin Aaron’s ‘Barb’ is a work of art. I know her. Her story and role is as powerful as the core narrative itself, and what Aaron does is layer her with the richest naivety and a perfected comedic timing that I envy. You must see this show for these performances alone.
I did have a few interesting thoughts though. As we sat amongst a sea of faces that all looked (and sounded - although this can’t be confirmed) rather similar - I couldn’t help but feel a little uncomfortable at the raucous laughter (which I was part of). I’m being massively presumptious but I wasn’t sure how I felt about these characters being laughed at - instead of with. I didn’t share an identical upbringing as the characters but I recognised them, and I certainly felt defensive. I do know however that this show has been lovingly crafted by Owen, Rachel O’Riordan (Director) and a cast who will all have preserving and protecting the welsh identity at their core.
Ultimately though it’s a beautiful chance to witness electrifying welsh talent on the big stage and we should be proud of that. I want more Gary Owen. I want more welsh theatre at the NATIONAL theatre.
It only made my sense of hiraeth even stronger.
🏴🏴🏴🏴🏴/5
Romeo and Julie plays at The Dorfman (National Theatre) until April 1 before playing the Sherman Theatre, Cardiff from 13 - 29 April.
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