In a significant development for Welsh theatre, Michael Sheen, renowned for his roles as a British Prime Minister and an English King, is poised to take on a role that is more closely tied to his homeland. Sheen, who has been lauded globally for his acting prowess, is set to star as Owain Glyndŵr, the medieval Prince of Wales, in a new play titled Owain & Henry. This production, which is part of Sheen’s endeavor to establish the Welsh National Theatre, is anticipated to become a “defining moment” for Wales. The play seeks to shed light on the country’s history, the challenges it faces today, and the ongoing question of independence.
Gary Owen’s play, written in blank verse, is touted by Sheen as a “stonking epic” that challenges the oft-criticized portrayal of Glyndŵr in Shakespeare’s Henry IV. Sheen emphasizes the play’s modern relevance, explaining that Gary Owen’s depiction of Glyndŵr conveys the realistic difficulties and sometimes distressing decisions faced by a leader.
The production will premiere at the Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff next November and promises to be a significant cultural event for Wales. Sheen sees this as an opportunity to ignite discussions about Wales’s identity and its aspirations, particularly regarding its history and the quest for independence. Sheen’s commitment to this cause reflects his belief in the power of theatre to address contemporary issues and to inspire a sense of national pride.
In addition to Owain & Henry, Sheen will also lead in a Welsh adaptation of Thornton Wilder’s play Our Town, which will be set in a small Welsh community. This production, initially opening in Swansea and touring through Wales and to Kingston upon Thames, will feature creative insights from Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies. The creation of the Welsh National Theatre, following the disbandment of National Theatre Wales, signifies a new chapter in Wales’s cultural development, aimed at fostering grassroots creativity and identifying fresh talent across the region.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/stage/2025/apr/02/michael-sheen-play-prince-of-wales-welsh-national-theatre
