Thirty years since its release, Edward H Dafis’ LP, Plant y Fflam is still considered to be a classic album. Its tracks continue to feature on radio station play-lists and songs such as ‘Tir Glas’ and ‘Dewch at Eich Gilydd’ are regarded as anthems, loved by adults and youngsters alike.

This legendary album is to form the basis of this year’s youth theatre production to be staged during the Urdd National Eisteddfod in Llanerchaeron in May.

Under the direction of Jeremy Turner and his team including former Bryn Terfel scholarship winner Rhys Taylor and choreographer Lynne Hughes, 60 Ceredigion youngsters will be treading the boards of Theatr Felinfach, performing a brand new show which follows the journey laid out in the album.

“Plant y Fflam is basically a story played out through the medium of ten fantastic tracks,” said Jeremy Turner, Artistic Director of Aberystwyth-based, Arad Goch Theatre Company. “I rediscovered the album a few years ago when Sain released a CD box set of Edward H Dafis’ five albums. I started thinking then that it would make a great show. The themes and storyline are there and Mari Rhian Owen at Arad Goch is devising a script which will see those themes develop. The story is about a gang of young people who turn their backs on the emptiness and superficiality of contemporary society to find or create a better place and a better way to live.

“The contemporary themes are sure to appeal to the young people and one of the first things we’ll do, once the cast is assembled is discuss the script and adapt it as rehearsals progress,” continued Jeremy. Edward H Dafis was seen as a groundbreaking band. It was one of the first Welsh-language groups to break away from the mainly acoustic sound of 1960s bands and could be regarded as a catalyst for the Welsh-language rock and pop scene which followed. The band, comprising of Dewi ‘Pws’ Morris, Charli Britton, Hefin Elis, John Griffiths and later Cleif Harpwood first performed at the National Eisteddfod in 1973.

“I’m very grateful to the members of Edward H Dafis and their record label, Sain for their willingness to work with us on this production,” said Jeremy.

The auditions for Plant y Fflam will take place across the county over the next few weeks. Open to pupils in years 7 to 13, those interested are asked to contact Carys Roberts at Arad Goch before this Friday to register and for further details on dates and times of the auditions. And as Jeremy Turner explains, the auditions are not only open to experienced performers, the team are looking for youngsters who can spark interest.

“We’re looking for 60 interesting individuals and the auditions are open to youngsters from all over the county who have got potential and are eager to develop that potential by working with professional artists.”

Those wishing to register for auditions can do so by contacting Carys Roberts at carys@aradgoch.org.

Plant y Fflam will be performed between May 28 and June 1 at Theatr Felinfach. Tickets for Plant y Fflam are available at www.urdd.org/ eisteddfod or by calling 0845 257 1639. The production is supported by the Wales Arts Council and sponsored by James Jenkins Thomas.