Playwright Glenys comes full circle

Apr 18 2008 by Karen Price, Western Mail

Playwright Glenys Evans was so inspired by one man’s courageous adventure that she has written a drama about it. As Hijinx prepares to stage its new show, she tells Karen Price the real-life story behind the piece

AS the real-life story of one man’s personal challenge to reach the base camp of Mount Everest is retold on stage, it will also be something of a test for the leading star.

For actor Gareth Clark has Down’s syndrome, just like Andrew Williams, the man who embarked on the journey on the world’s highest mountain.

Clark, 28, will now effectively be walking in Williams’ shoes as he acts out the drama, Full Circle, on stage with Hijinx Theatre Company.

But he will also be supported by professional actor Nick Wayland Evans, who shares the leading role.

Wayland Evans will read Williams’ monologues, while Clark will portray his emotions.

The piece has been written by Glenys Evans and, although it was first staged by the Cardiff-based company in 2003, it is now embarking on a major tour, which will include performances at the Wales Millennium Centre as part of the Unity Inclusive Arts Festival.

And it will be the first time the leading role is taken by an actor with Down’s syndrome.

“It will be Gareth’s own personal mountain to climb,” says Evans, who was one of the founding actors with Hijinx when the company was formed in 1981.

“It will be a massive learning curve for both him and the team. But it’s a great opportunity and I’m absolutely thrilled to see him in the role.”

Mother-of-two Evans was inspired by the true story of Andrew Williams, a young Welshman with Down’s syndrome who climbed to base camp on Mount Everest in 1996.

Through his circle of support and his own determination, he achieved something that the majority of people would not even think about attempting.

Evans, who is also an education officer for Theatr Iolo and a drama and communications lecturer at Barry College, met Williams through her work at the college. She was inspired by his story and by the support he had from his circle of friends – hence the title of the play.

The production, which opens at Swansea Grand Theatre next week, is directed by Hijinx’s artistic director, Gaynor Lougher, who is working with a cast of five.

It has been designed by Mary Drummond and also features music by James Williams.

Hijinx focuses on producing theatre for people with learning disabilities by bringing to life characters, themes and issues which are relevant, challenging and inspiring.

Clark joined Hijinx’s inclusive participatory group, Odyssey Theatre, in 2003 and has performed in many productions.

But being asked to be a major part of the main company’s programme was a dream come true for him.

He underwent major heart surgery at the age of two and he has never let his condition prevent him from achieving at the highest level.

As well as acting, he is a keen swimmer and took part in his first Special Olympic Games in Sheffield when he was just 13, winning gold and silver medals.

In 2001 he was selected as part of the Great Britain Team for the European Special Olympic Games which were held in Holland.

Evans’ first play, Some Day Soon, was produced by Hijinx in 2002.

She says it was a natural progression for her to move from acting to writing. “When Hijinx was launched I was very privileged to be part of an ensemble that had great ownership of its work,” says Evans, who trained at Central School of Speech and Drama. “It gave me the skills I needed for devising a play.”

She says seeing her work staged for the first time was an incredible experience. “The biggest buzz possible is to see recognition from the audience for what you have written.”

And she is inspired to write by her work with people with learning disabilities.

“My insight into issues surrounding people with learning disabilities gives me the passion to write about them.

“I see myself as a detective – I’m always looking for what people can achieve, for their strengths. I’m not looking at any problems. You get to learn about a lot of individuals and not a lot of labels.”

In 2006, Evans was shortlisted for the Western Mail’s Welsh Woman of the Year award in the Women in the Arts and Media category.

Among her latest projects are working on a major project with Welsh National Opera’s educational and community strand WNO Max, Carbon 12.

Despite starting out as an actress, Evans admits that she does not hanker after her former career.

“I miss the incredible buzz you get when you communicate with the audience but I don’t miss the nerves of opening night. And I don’t miss the rigours of the touring.”

These days she would rather watch other people on stage and she’s delighted with how Clark is progressing in rehearsals. “He’s a very good physical actor and he’s being very sensitively supported by Nick who will be acting like a mentor for Gareth while Hijinx is on the road.

“In fact, the whole Hijinx team is like Gareth’s new circle.”

The show opens at Swansea Grand Theatre on April 23. For full tour dates, visit the website at www.hijinx.org.uk