The Christ College Community Goes Under Milk Wood

This was very much a nod to the past as Under Milk Wood was the first production in the refurbished Memorial Hall at Christ College in 1984. Head of Drama and Director, John Johnson, explains more:

‘I wanted this to be a Christ College Community project. I had a vision of parents, teachers, students and staff being involved. Most importantly though, I really wanted to encourage some Old Breconians to be involved. This was achieved beyond my wishes – with the original Captain Cat, Mr Pugh and Rev. Eli Jenkins from the 1984 production all involved and playing the same parts this time around. It really was something special to see all those involved with Christ College, Past, Present and Future all performing together.’

The rehearsed reading which truly took the idea that this was a play for voices included current students from First Form to the current Upper Sixth. The performance encouraged the audience to focus on the aural aspects of the piece, with each audience member being handed a blindfold so that they might tune in to the sound of the play. This ‘feast for the senses’ was supported by live singing with a small vocal choir who sang traditional Welsh folk songs and a magnificent Male Voice Choir who delighted audience members before and during the performance with their beautiful rendition of ‘The Rev. Eli Jenkins’ Prayer.’ Add to this the sound of seagulls, the smells of fish and chips, beer and seaweed and delightful stills to look at – the audience really were treated to an original take on this classic Dylan Thomas piece in advance of the 100 year celebrations to mark the anniversary of Thomas’ birth in 2014.