“Shw mae? Croeso I Gymru!”
The plane seemed as nervous as I was as it, somewhat reluctantly, dipped its rubber toe on the damp tarmac of Cardiff Airport. And on being greeted by my father at a rather grave looking arrivals lounge I couldn’t help but ponder: why am I here?
Of course, I knew why I was there. It was to see my family and, hopefully, a few old friends. But it wasn’t to see her. I don’t think I have any feelings for her anymore. We ceased to connect or relate a long time ago. There is no more love between us. Me and my mother. My country. My Wales.
But it is where I am from and I can never change that. Nor should I want to. It has made me who I am. It is my beauty and it is my beast, as I am its beauty and I am its beast.
Rising star, Hugh Hughes (alter ego of Shon Dale Jones), touches on national identity, more specifically Welsh identity, in his award winning and universally applauded show, Floating. One of three pieces by the Welsh comedian being shown at the Traverse Theatre this month.
A labour of love, Floating is a story of the day the Isle of Anglesey breaks away from Wales and drifts up to the Arctic. Thirteen years in the making the show combines mixed media, storytelling and performance art to discuss the idea of where we are from and how it shapes us all.
Also this month, 2007 hit Story Of A Rabbit has Hughes narrate how he stumbled across his neighbour’s dead rabbit, whilst simultaneously contemplating the demise of his father. Whilst 360 focuses on the significance of lifelong friendship as, Hughes returns home to climb the mighty Snowdon with his best friend, Gareth.
Audiences have been moved to tears the world over by his boyish charm and the magical tales of a land not too far from here. A land that I am not too familiar with anymore, even if perhaps I see it in my face everyday.
It’s always fantastic to see someone have the courage and imagination to escape – no, step out from – Wales and do well. Hughes has done very well and this star is only going to get brighter.
Why not see what all the fuss is about and experience The Wonderful World of Hugh Hughes
Show dates
5, 7, 9 October: 360
6, 7, 9 October: Floating
7, 9 October: Stories of a Rabbit
8 October: Stories from an Invisible Town
8 October: Hugh Hughes – How I got Here
All showing at The Traverse Theatre