Bison and Sons

By Pauline Mol- Translated by Rina Vergano(13 – 16 yrs)

Winner of 'Best Production for Children and Young People' at the Tron Awards, Glasgow

 

Power, love and sibling rivalry are at the heart of Bison & Sons. In a timeless forgotten back street, three brothers sit around in their dirty kitchen. Abandoned while their father pleads with the bank manager to save the family business, they bicker, they taunt, they bully, they fight, they try to comfort each other, fantasizing that they are heroes and fighting for their father’s chair. Have these boys been abandoned? Will their father return? - hiding behind transparent macho behaviour, the three brothers’ jostle for the position within the family and for the affections of a father whose presence is missed, but clearly felt. Brotherly love and competition switch places at high speed. What emerges from Bison & Sons is a simultaneously harrowing yet comic exposure of sibling rivalry, pushed to extremes by the breakdown of the relationship between a father and his sons. Theatr Iolo brings the best of World Theatre to you with this award-winning play about power, love and sibling rivalry translated by Bristol based Rina Vergano. Bison & Sons is an award-winning play from the Netherlands which has toured to great acclaim throughout Europe. Theatr Iolo successfully premiered this production in Wales in Spring 2001.

Responses:“The story of Bison & Sons was quite a sad story because their father had run away with the money and it make me think about how lucky I was to have a caring family.” Bryn (aged 13)

“A thoroughly professional performance and workshop as usual. Pupil response has been excellent. For many it was their first experience of live theatre – worthwhile just for that!” Llantwit Major Comprehensive

“These sort of productions are essential and affordable. Many pupils have never and may never see any other live theatre. To see something so visual and exciting, as well as thought provoking, broadens their cultural experiences.” Teacher, Cynffig Comprehensive

“This small gem was neither gloomy nor sordidly self-indulgent but deft, hard-edged, gripping and extremely funny… This was witty and intelligent theatre for grown-ups as well as children. It’s apparently sold out, see them if you can.” Jeni Williams (New Welsh Review)