A Masters Student from the University of Wales Trinity St David (UWTSD) has achieved a dream come true by directing their favourite drama last week.
Kallum Weyman, a student on the MA Directing course directed the drama ‘Educating Rita’ to a closed audience (due to the Coronavirus restrictions) on Friday, April 16th, at the Gate Arts Centre in Cardiff.
Educating Rita is a comedy drama by Willy Russell situated in an University’s tutor office. During the drama, we meet two characters, Rita, a hairdresser that attends a night class to learn more about English Literature; and Frank the lecturer that tries to teach her. Although this drama was written in the 80’s, it continues to be a relevant drama that deals with everlasting themes from gender issues to class systems.
Under the guidance of Elen Bowman, this year long post-graduate course is very practical and intense, and it offers training that will develop future professional directors.
Kallum Weyman began studying their MA Directing course back in September 2019, but due to Coronavirus restrictions, Kallum decided to take a break from studying, and return when it was possible to direct a drama on stage. When Kallum returned to study, their dream was to direct the Educating Rita drama, and by working with the staff of Canolfan Berfformio Cymru, the dream has come true.
Eilir Owen Griffiths, Director of Canolfan Berfformio Cymru said: “One of the most important things we do as a department is to prepare students for the industry. What Kallum has managed to achieve is important for their personal and professional development, and we are very proud of them.”
Kallum said: “It’s been quite challenging to prepare for this drama by following social distancing rules, but it’s been nice to be in a room rehearsing with people. I’m very grateful to the University for giving me the opportunity to direct a live show, and this has prepared me towards the future.”
“It has been a great experience to be able to work with professional people from the industry, and I’m ever so grateful for their time.”
Kallum also has been successful outside the university lately, as they won an Idea Development Bursary with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. The purpose of this scheme is to provide an opportunity to reflect on Wales’s diverse communities amongst the artist’s work. Although Kallum suffers from Autism and Dyspraxia, they insist that they continue to be independent, and a scheme like this has been beneficial for development.
Kallum added: “Studying in Cardiff has been fantastic. I’ve learnt new skills, as well as being able to get the opportunity to work on my own ideas. It’s given me the chance to meet and work with different people, I’ve made new connections, and it’s made me aware of the theatre industry in Wales.”
Canolfan Berfformio Cymru offers a lively creative pipeline of actors, singers and dancers of the future. The courses’ work ethic is based on personal development, respect and collaboration and this stems from the support the students receive from the committed and professional staff.
For more information on the courses offered by UWTSD in Cardiff, please visit https://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/cbc/