Press Releases
Mametz Wood on stage at National Museum Cardiff
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2016-06-302016 marks the centenary of the Battle of Mametz Wood, one of the most significant and bloody battles fought by Welsh soldiers during the First World War and this July the battle will be brought to life on stage in Cardiff. Interact (Wales) in partnership with Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales will stage their production ‘Mametz Wood’ in the Reardon Smith Lecture Theatre at National Museum Cardiff on Saturday 9 July (1pm, 3pm, 6pm) and Sunday 10 July (1pm, 3pm). Entry is free. Suitable 8 years old and over.
Written by Lyon Devereux and produced by InterAct (Wales), a collaborative theatre company based in North Wales, the production first premiered at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2014 and gained 4*reviews. Set at the Battle of Mametz Wood at the Somme 1916, it follows the stories of a small group of soldiers from the Welsh 38th Division and the moral dilemma of a nurse stationed behind the front line.
The theatre performance is part of the events programme which accompanies the exhibition ‘War’s Hell!’:The Battle of Mametz Wood in Art on at the museum until 4 September which explores art, poetry and writing by those who witnessed the battle first-hand and others who have since responded to it.
The event forms part of Amgueddfa Cymru’s programme to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. The Cymru’n Cofio - Wales Remembers 1914 – 1918 programme and related activities are generously supported by Welsh Government (MALD), the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Armed Forces Community Covenant Fund and other donors.
Emma Routley, First World War Coordinator, Amgueddfa Cymru – National Museum Wales, said, “We’re delighted to have Interact (Wales) performing the production here at the museum to mark exactly one hundred years since the battle. The play captures the experiences of the soldiers at Mametz and the bravery and sacrifice of Welsh troops in the First World War.
“There is also an opportunity to visit the exhibition in the museum which shares soldiers’ experiences through their art, poetry and literature.”
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For further information, images or interview opportunities, please contact Catrin Taylor, Communications Officer on (029) 2057 3175 or email Lleucu.cooke@museumwales.ac.uk
Please visit the website www.walesremembers.org for more details on our four year programme.
Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914 - 1918