Trial of Elgan Jones

In the year of our Queen 1898 you are hereby called for Jury Service. A young boy’s life lies in your hands. As the Jury in this drama, will you find him guilty or not guilty?

A 14-year-old boy has been charged with poaching, theft, and murder on the Margam Estate! If found guilty, he will be sentenced to ‘hang from his neck till he is dead’. It rests upon you the jury to prove this young boy’s guilt or innocence. You will hear evidence, witness enactments, and sit in the heart of proceedings. You will be expected to use your reasoning and decide who is lying and who, if anyone, is telling the truth. 

Created by Geinor Styles and in partnership with Swansea Museum, Technocamps, Theatr Brycheiniog and Y Gaer, this interactive Victorian experience is a unique opportunity for children to experience live theatre in an innovative form. Theatr na nÓg is one of Wales’ most exciting theatre companies, and with The Trial of Elgan Jones, promises to push the audience to listen, consider and collaborate before delivering a necessary verdict. 

Perfect for children in Year 5 upwards, Theatr na nog’s schools’ packages are specially designed to cover all areas of the new National Curriculum, specifically targeting Humanities, Literacy and Health & Well-being. 

The core themes explored within The Trial of Elgan Jones are to be involved in investigating and comparing the lives of rich and poor children in Wales during the Victorian period. To participate in discussion, debate, and decision-making, considering available information and understanding the consequences of those decisions. These themes also encourage audience members to consider different perspectives of a debate taking social, moral, and economic factors into account. 

About Theatr na nog: 

Theatre na nÓg create original theatre for UK and worldwide audiences from our home in the green valleys of Wales. Their passion? Great stories! For over 30 years, they have told award-winning tales that ignite young imaginations, revealed stories that you’d hardly believe were true and crafted immersive and magical fictions for the stage, all with fantastic original music. 

Theatr na nÓg work in both Welsh and English. The theatre embraces the bilingual nature of the county of Wales, celebrating both languages and encouraging and supporting those who are learning Welsh. 

Theatr na nÓg’s mission is to give people of all ages and backgrounds the opportunity to experience the magic of live theatre. 

Theatre for the whole family. 

Since the beginning, young audiences have been the focus of what Theatr na nÓg do. The vast majority of their work is made for whole families to enjoy together. 

Plays and workshops for schools

Through their regular works with schools, Theatr na nog are able to give thousands of children their very first taste of theatre. Every Theatr na nÓg school production comes with a host of workshops, as well as interactive digital classrooms resources and materials to support lesson planning for teachers. 

Original plays 

The next generation are a huge part of what Theatr na nÓg do, but they also tour a great deal of theatre for general theatre audiences -  from large-scale musical productions to intimate theatrical experiences. 

Commissions 

Theatre na nÓg are always happy to collaborate on made-to-measure projects. They have worked on projects that range from promoting safety awareness to learning how to best sell yourself at an interview. Live theatre is an effective way to spread the word and get your message across. 

For further information, please contact Y Gaer on 01874 623346 or Theatr Brycheiniog on 01874 611 622. 

-Praise for The Trial of Elgan Jones- 

“The production explored the important concept of equality, and aided their understanding of local history, in a touching and evocative performance” – Cwmtawe Community School. 

“The Trial of Elgan Jones was an amazing play for our pupils to see. It was full of drama, suspense, and atmosphere. It was a new experience for the majority of our children to see a live production and they have thoroughly benefitted from the experience in so many ways… It was a very thought-provoking show that engaged pupils of all levels and abilities” – Pentre’ Graig Primary School

“I have never been to a production where the audience were all engaged and involved in the whole performance. The production involved humour and constant participation from the audience. The day was run so well, and we left feeling like we wanted more. Every child enjoyed the day” – Llangewydd Junior School. 

“The sets, script, acting, and atmosphere created were amazing as always. Theatr na nÓg productions are consistently of high standard and the script is always linked to locality and important events in Welsh history. The children unanimously said that they wished they could watch it all over again” – Pontarddulais Primary School 

“A fantastic trip! Relevant and well-thought out, I would highly recommend it to any upper KS2 classes studying aspects of the Victorians” – Mynydd Cynffig Primary School 

“It is the epitome of the curriculum for Wales and the pupils loved it” – St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School, Clydach