In 1973, in the aftermath of the Aberfan disaster of 1966 where a colliery tip collapsed claiming 144 lives, fears that the same fate would befall Troedrhiwgwair started to emerge within their local council. Despite a lack evidence the council continued to put pressure on the residents of the tiny village to move into new purpose built homes ‘down the road’. However, a small number of steadfast natives held off and weathered the storm of the council’s attempts to uproot them.
This is the story that Motherlode Theatre Company brings to us in a new, beautifully devised, piece entitled The Good Earth. At the core of this ensemble production is the same sense of community and unity in its approach to theatre making that exists in the story that they represent. There is a heartbeat that runs through the piece which is distinctly Welsh and echoes the lyricism and humour of Valleys life.
Through the use of Welsh folk song, under the musical direction of Max Mackintosh, and the physical theatre sequences throughout, the piece exudes an energy that holds the audience attention to its close. Director Rachael Boulton’s staging and keen eye (and ear) for composition gives the piece the clarity it needs to serve an individual story to represent universal themes; the conflict is strikingly paralleled in the days of current council cuts and fracking.
In a production so driven by its sense of ‘the ensemble’ it is hard to pick out particular performances or ‘jobs well done’ especially when it was all simply stunning. So I think I tell you about them all starting with Emma Vickery. Her playful yet poignant Jackie brings the audience on a rollercoaster between laughter and tears. Max Mackintosh’s is solid in his turn as James, he provides not only the backbone of the story but of the cast too; he pulls it all together wonderfully.
Rachael Boulton is outstanding in her performance as Dina, representing every proud Mam in the Valleys. I’m sure there are moments all sons and daughters of the Valleys will recognize in her portrayal, from the Welsh turn of phrase to the strong work ethic that seems to echo even still in the mining communities today.
Gwenllian Higginson provides moments of deep personal conflict as Gwen. She represents the difficult choices laid before each member of the community; she plays this balance quite beautifully. Kate Elis’ comic timing is utter genius. She delivers lines in such a way that produced a noise from me that can only be described as a bellylaugh.
If there were moments where I thought we were witnessing didacticism, they were dashed away as the events unfolded leaving me not with answers but rather had me questioning ‘what would I do in their shoes’.
A hilarious and thought-provoking piece that is not to be missed.
The Good Earth devised by Motherlode Theatre Company
Director: Rachael Boulton
Chapter Arts Centre