1996, ISBN: 9780952155874

These three plays showcase the strength of Wales' contemporary drama scene. The one which has garnered the most attention is Roger Williams' "Gulp" -- the first play to be produced in Wal… More...

These three plays showcase the strength of Wales' contemporary drama scene. The one which has garnered the most attention is Roger Williams' "Gulp" -- the first play to be produced in Wales that not only deals with gay relationships but gay issues, and is by a gay writer. Described as "a major and significant cultural event" by The Guardian, the play is a fiercely romantic and realistic story of sex and sexuality in nineties Wales. Frank and sometimes shocking, it's a portrait of five young people living, working, and loving in Cardiff. Focusing on the mores of a gay youth, "Gulp" tells a deceptively simple love story which builds into a serious discussion of personal response to HIV/Aids. American readers can now experience for themselves this breakthrough work."Safar" (which is Urdu for "journey"), by Afshan Malik, beautifully depicts the erosion of Urdu/Muslim traditions as seen through the eyes of a young girl torn between the country of her parents, rural Pakistan, and the faster, immediate attractions of the new Britain. Concerned with the timely issue of Asian immigration into Wales, it was also Wales' first professionally produced Asian play "Safar" was the most popular play in Wales' 1996 season.The last play, "My Piece of Happiness", by Lewis Davies, explores a sexual relationship between two young people with learning disabilities. Focusing on Sean and his new girlfriend, Sarah, and Sean's social worker, it's an understated, keenly observed work of compassion and delicacy Known primarily for his novel, Tree of Crows, and his non-fiction travel work, Freeways, this is Davis' first play to be produced. The book also includes an essay on the development of new writing bythe noted Welsh actress, Lowri Mae. Jeff Teare is the Artistic Director of Made in Wales Theatre Co. Media > Book<