Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru are pleased to announce that Professor Jerry Hunter will be the new Chair of the company’s Board of Trustees from July 2023.
Originally from the United States of America and now living in Dyffryn Nantlle, Jerry has vast experience in the academic world and also as an author. Jerry is a Professor in the Department of Welsh and Celtic Studies at Bangor University. As an author, he has published 12 books, and has won the Welsh Book of the Year Award and the National Eisteddfod’s Prose Medal. He has scripted and presented three documentary series for S4C and currently presents the popular podcast, Yr Hen Iaith, along with Richard Wyn Jones. Previously, he was Pro Vice-Chancellor at Bangor University, Chair of the Pontio Arts Advisory Board and also a member of the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol’s Board. During the next academic year, he’ll be a member of Harvard University’s Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures.
Jerry will take over from Elwyn Jones, who has been acting as Interim Chair since the previous Chair Efa Gruffudd Jones stepped down in order to begin her new role as Welsh Language Commissioner. The company would like to extend their deepest thanks to Efa and Elwyn for their leadership and service in recent years.
Joining Jerry as new members of the company’s Board of Trustees are Elin Parisa Fouladi and Dafydd Gwyn Jones.
Elin is a singer, actress and presenter from Cardiff. She graduated with a BA Drama from Queen Mary University, London in 2008, before working as an assistant producer and producer for the BBC in Cardiff. At the moment, Elin is focusing on her music career and performs across Wales at events like Tafwyl, the National Eisteddfod and Sŵn Festival. Elin also performs on television programmes and recently presented an S4C documentary about Iran. Earlier this year, Elin organised a special concert at the Temple of Peace to raise awareness about the human rights issues in Iran. As part of the event, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru collaborated with Elin to perform a monologue by theatre director Sepy Baghaei.
Dafydd is the Finance Manager at Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol, and lives near Nantgaredig. After graduating with a BSc in Computer Science from Aberystwyth University, he spent the early years of his career in software development. He completed his MBA in Paris in 1995, before returning to Wales as a Management Consultant with PwC and Deloitte. Since then, he's spent most of his time in the Higher Education sector, as Senior Lecturer, Director of Entrepreneurship and Finance Director. He qualified as an accountant in 2007 (FCCA). His interest in theatre goes back to 1985, when he had the opportunity to be part of the technical team for the Urdd's Youth Theatre production Rhyfel a Heddwch. He also previously worked as the Head of Finance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama in Cardiff.
Angharad Jones Leefe, the company’s Executive Director, said:
“I’m so pleased to welcome Jerry, Elin and Dafydd to Theatr Gen’s Board of Trustees. They bring a range of experiences and skills – from the creative industries to finance – which contribute to the successful governance of the company. I’d also like to extend my heartfelt thanks, both personally and on behalf of the company, to Efa and Elwyn for their contribution and dedication as Chair and Interim Chair.”
The company’s Artistic Director, Steffan Donnelly, added:
“I’m looking forward to working with Jerry, Elin and Dafydd over the coming months, as we work towards realising our new and ambitious programme of theatre work. Our vision is to create Welsh-language theatre that connects Welshness and the world and the three of them – alongside our other fantastic Trustees – are sure to support us in reaching that goal.”
The new Chair, Jerry Hunter, said:
“For years, I’ve followed Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s wonderful work and it’s a privilege to join this all-important organisation as Chair. I’m really looking forward to working with all the dedicated and talented people who are part of the company during the exciting period ahead.”
Jerry, Elin and Dafydd join the company during an exciting time. The company has just launched its programme up to spring 2024; this is the first season under the artistic leadership of Steffan Donnelly. This ambitious programme includes 8 productions, 3 of which are national tours. There will be a number of productions at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod, a Welsh adaptation by Manon Steffan Ros of the play Rhinoseros by Eugène Ionesco, a new show for young people with Krystal S. Lowe Swyn, and a piece created by young people for young people with the production Ie Ie Ie directed by Juliette Manon. Alongside the productions, the company are also presenting a number of long-term projects including Prosiect 40°C which responds to the climate crisis and Ar y Dibyn which offers creative opportunities to those affected by addiction.