Sherman Cymru's 2013 programme for emerging writers will kick off promptly in the New Year with a piece that attracted praise at the 2011 National Eisteddfod.
Cynnau Tân is the début play from Rhian Staples. It follows two 40-year-old characters who meet for the first time in 23 years following a lengthy flurry of communication about their various hopes and failures via email and online forums.
It is a black comedy and in Rhian's words the pair's first meeting outside the world of electronic communication has "disastrous consequences", but the really dark twist of the piece is being kept under wraps for audiences.
Rhian Staples with her drama medal at the 2011 National Eisteddfod
She told me: "I got the idea for the play when I was driving to work and listening to Radio 4, and heard an item about a man and woman meeting on a website and the impact that meeting had on their lives.
"I was intrigued by the way people choose to seek help on issues in their lives from people they have never met, rather than turning to those closest to them, like their own families and friends who know them best.
"It started me thinking about the net, life and everything; there is nowhere better than a daily car journey for thinking of such things.
"Being 40, which I was when I wrote the play, also makes you re-think about teenage dreams and middle aged reality: not that my dreams or reality are quite like those of the characters."
The play is a two-hander starring Richard Elis (Con Passionate, Y Pris, Caerdydd and EastEnders) and Nia Roberts (Patagonia, Crash, Hotel Babylon and Sherman Cymru's The Get Together.)
Although Rhian, who lives in Swansea, has enjoyed a lifelong interest in theatre and her day job sees her working as head of drama at Ysgol Gyfun Rhydywaun in Aberdare, this is the first time anything she has written has been staged and she is thrilled with the casting.
At the moment her life is revolving around the school's Christmas production of Sweeney Todd and getting to the end of term without collapsing with exhaustion, but she admits to feeling a mixture of terror and excitement at the fact her play is to be staged so soon.
"At the moment it's my play and it's still there in my imagination but soon it will be out there for everybody to make what they want of it. I'm quite petrified actually.
"Seeing it acted out by such good actors has changed the way I see it – I think it is darker and funnier than I ever imagined.
"I really hope people enjoy it. The characters go on a hell of a journey."
She first penned the play two years ago and entered it for the 2011 National Eisteddfod where it won the coveted drama medal.
Soon afterwards Sherman Cymru contacted her expressing a wish to bring it to life.
Cynnau Tân will be directed by Mared Swain, the associate director of Welsh language at Sherman Cymru as part of the theatre's RAW/AMRWD programme. The programme aims to give writers and directors the opportunity to produce new writing on a limited budget, showcasing quality writing and acting.
Mared said: "We are thrilled to be producing Rhian Staples' award-winning drama.
"We want to showcase the quality of work coming out of Wales even on a modest budget.
"For me the importance of giving new work a stage and putting more work out there is vital, and I'm really glad we are able to do this with this relevant, thought-provoking piece."
Cynnau Tân is suitable for ages 16 and over and will be staged in Theatre 2 at Sherman Cymru, Cardiff from 22-26 January at 8pm.
