About Mappa Mundi
Some fifteen years ago, a theatre company was formed by a group of like-minded and spirited actors, designers and a composer, who felt there were very few opportunities for Welsh-based artists to create and perform works of classic texts. Since that time, Mappa Mundi Theatre Company has built an excellent reputation for producing superb theatrical adaptations to large, enthusiastic audiences and considerable critical acclaim.
Over the next decade, with very little money but with considerable ambition, the remarkable Mappa Mundi created and performed over 20 productions, many of which toured throughout Wales, gaining the company a reputation for presenting accessible and entertaining work. The company has performed many classic works, sometimes with a cheeky twist, and always with gusto and energy: Titus Andronicus in Kabuki style, an all male version of Taming of the Shrew, A Midsummer Night’s Dream performed in a castle with a backdrop of fireworks, and King Lear played by a woman and the daughters played by men.
Today, the company features some now familiar faces, who perform alongside some of Wales’ newest actors. No region of Wales has been neglected and Mappa Mundi’s commitment to making live Welsh theatre available to the widest audience possible remains unrelenting. When Mappa Mundi began, much of the work produced was unfunded and relied on box office sales and the dedication of company members alone. Through much hard work and commitment the company succeeded in creating many sell-out and critically acclaimed productions. Over the past fifteen years, a strong and almost fanatical following for their worked has developed.
More recently, the company has enjoyed the support of The Arts Council of Wales for six productions, most recently for its three latest co-productions with Theatr Mwldan and Creu Cymru: Canterbury Tales (2006), Moll Flanders (2007) and The Importance Of Being Earnest (2008). Mappa Mundi will continue to produce classic work for Wales with further support of funding bodies and the support of its appreciative audiences.