Meet Ffion Dafis

Here, we chat to Ffion Dafis, Artistic Director of Theatr Bara Caws.  Ffion is a familiar face who has acted and presented on television, radio, and theatre stages across Wales.  She is also an author and has recently been appointed to her role with Theatr Bara Caws. 

In May, Ffion will be holding workshops for learners on behalf of the National Centre for Learning Welsh. During the workshops, she will show learners how to write dialogue and create interesting characters for the theatrical stage. 

Diolch Ffion for the chat, and pob lwc with the workshops! 

What inspired you to run these workshops? 
Welsh learners make a big effort to learn the language, and so it’s great to be able to contribute to their creative development by offering them additional skills. 

What can learners expect from the workshops? 
The sessions will focus on theatre techniques and creating realistic characters.  I hope that learners will enjoy creating in an open and supportive atmosphere, and will learn more about writing for the theatre. 

What advice would you give to someone learning Welsh who wants to write a play or a short scene? 
To read Welsh plays. 

Acting, presenting or writing – which is your favourite and why? 
I really can’t choose.  All these elements contribute to who I am. 

What are your hopes for this new role with Theatr Bara Caws? 
To create a dynamic programme that makes people think and smile, while also telling Welsh stories about life today. 

Why did the job appeal to you? 
It was the right time to use the skills I’ve gathered over the decades, and channel them into one place. 

How do you plan to include more Welsh learners in theatre? 
I’m looking forward to speaking with the group in the workshops, and seeing how I can help make theatre an inclusive place for Welsh learners at all levels.