National Theatre Wales

In The Brecon Beacons

The Persians

August 2010

By
AESCHYLUS

In a new version by
KAITE O’REILLY

Directed by
MIKE PEARSON

Conceptual design by
MIKE BROOKES

Designed by
SIMON BANHAM

Music by
JOHN HARDY

Cast
ROSA CASADO, RICHARD LYNCH, RICHARD HUW MORGAN, JOHN ROWLEY, RHYS RUSBATCH, SIAN THOMAS, GERALD TYLER, featuring RICHARD HARRINGTON & PAUL RHYS

About the production

In August 2010, National Theare Wales took one of Europe’s first recorded plays to the heart of the Brecon Beacons. In a collaboration between director Mike Pearson and artist Mike Brookes, and with a new version of the text from writer Kaite O'Reilly, National Theatre Wales' sixth production brought greek tragedy onto the modern day stage.

Set in the heart of the Brecon Beacons, The Persians took audiences onto a mock German village rarely seen by the public.
The Ministry of Defence allowed us access to a unique part of their facility, of which the German village was its centre point.

Audiences were thrust into the elements to experience a once in a lifetime, multimedia retelling of a lost battle and its aftermath.

Production sponsors:
Windpower Wales
Brecon Carreg

Community

O'Reilly's Persians three

A script has been written and now the next phase begins – Mike P and the company begin testing it,… by Kaite O'Reilly

What the critics said

The Daily Telegrpah *****
"This is extraordinary, one of the most imaginative, powerful and haunting theatrical events of the year"
"This is great theatre - and a thrilling mystery tour for its audience"
Read the full review here

The Guardian ****
"[a] superb production"
"the combination of the story and the setting... is overwhelming"
Read the full review here

The Times
"a theatrical experience like no other... extraordinary"
"the spectacle is mesmerising"
"Unique and unforgettable"

Hereford Times
"some of the most powerful and evocative performances that have ever graced a Welsh stage"
"a production that is both minimalist and massive in its scope and marvellous in its realisation"
Read the full review here

Western Mail ****
"one of the most unforgettable pieces of theatre you will ever see"
"there’s not a weak link in this cast"
"this is another hit for National Theatre Wales"
Read the full review here

Programme

A 16 page limited edition programme accompanied 'The Persians', with interviews, cast biographies and exclusive images by David Hurn. You can read the digital version here

Defence Estates and the MoD

The Defence Estates (DE) manage the military estate, including accommodation for Service personnel and their families, on behalf of the MOD.

National Theatre Wales would like to acknowledge the support of the MoD and Defence Estates during the production of The Persians.