Hiraeth

Hiraeth

The Welsh play about the ‘homesickness of a generation’ is on at Luggate Hall this weekend fresh from sell out houses and standing ovations at Christchurch Arts Festival.

Buddug James Jones play ‘Hiraeth’ is performing for two nights at Luggate Hall onFriday 25th and Saturday 26th September. Friday night has already sold out but tickets are available for Saturday at www.festivalofcolour.co.nz. There will be cash door sales if they are available but it is better to book in advance.

Hiraeth pronounced ‘here-ath’ is a Welsh word without a direct English translation, it expresses a longing for home stronger than homesickness. It's an unshakable bond with one's homeland tinged with grief and yearning for a past life. When Buddug James Jones left her family's 300-year-old Welsh farm for London, it felt like she was rejecting her upbringing. She was the first in four generations of her family to leave Wales, a move which spelled doom for her family's farming legacy. She wrote the play about leaving behind expectations and a heritage, and her story will resonate with rurally-raised New Zealanders for whom the need to escape the demands of a farming lifestyle is coupled with guilt and responsibility for those they leave behind. Herself and Max Macintosh play the multiple characters in the play, including her mum, dad and Grandma and there are laughs and tears a plenty.

‘Hiraeth’ explores the decline of Welsh tradition and identity through the story of one woman’s struggle to escape and let go.

“Funny and poignant, Hiraeth strikes a cord which will resonate beyond Wales with anyone who has felt the need to escape, or responsibility for those left behind.” Matt Ball – National Theatre Wales

"Sweetly hilarious low-fi comedy" Time Out

"Laughs and tears both on and off stage" British Theatre Guide

And Wales are playing England in the Rugby World Cup on Sunday morning, so Buddug has said that any English supporters should keep quiet! There’ll be plenty of national pride at stake, as well as live music, welsh cakes and a ‘twmpath’ (Welsh ‘Ceilidh).

Ticket Information

If you already have tickets then these should have been emailed to you. Please print them out and bring them with you.
Doors will open at 7pm and there will be refreshments available for gold coin donation in aid of Cancer Detection Dogs NZ.
If you want to have dinner at Luggate Pub first then please call them to make a reservation on 443 8523.
'Hiraeth'– Friday 25 and Saturday 26 September at 7.30pm. Tickets available online only. Book your tickets now online.

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