‘Meltdown’ was created by Zeal Theatre from Australia. Zeal Theatre is well-known in Wales for their iconic work “Stones/Tafliad Carreg,” which has toured multiple times and has been part of the WJEC Drama curriculum. This production was also created in collaboration with Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch.
‘Meltdown’ explores timely and emotional themes related to mental health, including fear, depression, anxiety, stress, and anger. Dwayne, a 15-year-old boy, tries to live within a ‘normal’ family that is steered by mental health problems. His older sister is paralysed by fear, his mother is under severe stress, his younger sister is addicted to social media, his little brother is constantly crying, and his volcanic father is on the verge of exploding. The production follows a period in Dwayne’s life as he struggles through adolescence, with family challenges coming from all directions.
‘Meltdown’ was originally performed during the 2024 Agor Drysau Festival – the international festival of Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch for children and young people. The play made such a strong impression on the company that it was decided to collaborate again with Stefo Nansou from Zeal Theatre, author/actor, who has come from Australia to Aberystwyth to direct the play at Canolfan Arad Goch.
The play will be performed in both Welsh and English, with the Welsh version having been translated by actors Llŷr Edwards and Iwan Charles.
With dynamic multi-character performances, combining music, drama, and comedy, ‘Meltdown’ is a story that sparks discussion and is particularly relevant to teenagers.
