HER STORY THEATRE Company, based in South Wales, is delighted to announce a second tour of their play about the life of Betsi Cadwaladr, opening in Chepstow on International Women’s Day.
Writer Adele Cordner said: “We can’t wait to tour Daughter of Bala around more venues in Wales as it was so well-received last summer.
“We had sell-out audiences at some theatres and wonderful feedback. Betsi’s story is not that well known so people are amazed and moved to learn all about her life in service and nursing as well as all her travelling adventures.
“We’re really honoured that Chepstow Drill Hall invited us back to perform the play on International Women’s Day, 8th March. We are a new company, founded by women creatives, so this is the perfect date to kick off the tour!”
Described by critics as ‘totally unmissable’, Daughter of Bala chronicles the captivating life story of true Welsh heroine, Betsi Cadwaladr: from her humble beginnings in Wales to her globetrotting escapades in service, where she encountered fellow Welsh souls in the most unexpected corners of the world.
Clare Drewett, who stars as Betsi in the play, said: “Betsi was in her 60s when she embarked on her most daring venture.
“She was a true trailblazer. She defied all the conventions of the time as a working class Welsh woman and set sail for the Crimean battlefield to heed the call of duty as a nurse.
“Then, along the way, she found herself at odds with none other than Florence Nightingale herself and she faced up to Florence in a clash of wills that reverberates through the corridors of history.”
Through a tapestry of flashbacks and poignant interviews with her biographer, Betsi’s tale unfolds with heart-stopping excitement and tender humanity, in a superb script by Welsh playwright Adele Cordner. Betsi’s indomitable spirit shines through in every scene. Daughter of Bala promises an unforgettable theatrical experience that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Chepstow Mayor Tudor Griffiths watched the play last year and said: “Her Story theatre Company presents the play in an imaginative and fast-moving way that engages, enthrals and educates the audience. The play tells a deeply moving story that deserves to be told and known throughout Wales and beyond.”
Daughter of Bala will be performed in The Drill Hall Chepstow on March 8th, then touring on to Glowyr Ammanford, Pontardawe Arts Centre, Congress Theatre Cwmbran and Ffwrnes Llanelli. Tickets are available from Her Story Theatre Company website or from the venues.
