A Welsh Play - Salem - Wales' Most Famous Painting

SHOWS IN CARDIFF & LONDON | (RWCMD & Young Vic Theatre)

Ever seen this painting? It’s the most famous painting in Wales, many Welsh homes will have a copy on their wall. But did you know the original isn’t in Wales?

I’m currently playing Sydney Curnow Vosper, the painter of this painting, in a brand new play by Lisa Parry (A playwright that originally learnt Welsh with the SSiW method) developed in partnership with Sherman Theatre.

I’m not usually one for self promotion, but since it’s a Welsh story, I thought it might be of interest. There’s minimal Welsh language, so you don’t need to know Welsh to watch it.

Show Description:
Capel Salem, Gwynedd. In 2025, two Welsh students hide out with ‘Salem’ – a painting they’ve stolen from a Liverpool art gallery to decolonise Welsh art. In 1908, Sydney Curnow Vosper paints, his vision disputed by its sitters. Is it possible to ever prescribe a work of art’s meaning?

Performances in Cardiff this week and in London next week.

Cardiff Tickets: 2 more shows left (4th & 5th June)

London Young Vic Tickets: (11 - 14 June)

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One of our new Welsh speakers is related to one of the women depicted in the painting. It’s a while ago now, so I can’t remember who it was, but I hope she gets a chance to see the play. It sounds interesting!

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