Iphigenia Yn Sblot

Powerful. Urgent. Compelling.

Experience this modern Welsh classic in a major new production.

It’s nearly a decade since Gary Owen’s heart wrenching Iphigenia in Splott took the world by storm, entrancing audiences and critics alike, winning awards and becoming an international smash hit.

Now, in 2024, one of the most important plays in Welsh theatre history returns more relevant and resonant than ever. Alice Eklund’s powerful production of this new Welsh translation urgently brings this devastating classic to life once more, with a powerhouse performance from Seren Hamilton. Full of raw emotion, empathy, compassion and heart, this searing one woman play is a shattering wake up call.

Performed in Welsh. Captions in English will be available at every performance.

Stumbling down Clifton Street drunk at 11.30am, Effie is the kind of girl you’d avoid. You think you know her, but you don’t know the half of it. Effie’s life spirals through a whirlwind of drink, drugs and drama every night, with a hangover worse than death the next day. Until one night she finds the chance to be something more.

Five things you need to know about Iphigenia yn Sblot:

Iphigenia yn Sblot’s title is a reference to Greek mythology
Iphigenia yn Sblot is inspired by the Greek character Iphigenia, who was offered as a sacrifice to appease a goddess and for the greater good of the Greeks. Gary Owen’s play takes the theme of sacrifice and applies it to our contemporary society.

Iphigenia yn Sblot is a Welsh translation of Gary Owen’s smash hit play. First performed at the Sherman in 2015, Iphigenia in Splott went on to be performed internationally at locations including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, the National Theatre in London, 59E59 Theatres in New York, The Schaübhne in Berlin and the Avignon Festival. Most recently it was revived at the Lyric Hammersmith in London. The play’s success led to it being featured on the Guardian’s list of “The 50 Best Theatre Shows of the 21st Century”.

The play uses the Welsh you might hear around Cardiff every day. This new Welsh language translation of Iphigenia yn Sblot captures Effie’s character through the way she speaks. Director Alice Eklund says “it feels like the Welsh that I heard when I was growing up, the kind of Welsh I shared with friends at school, the Welsh I hear now around the city.” The production also features integrated English captions at every performance.

Iphigenia yn Sblot’s design is inspired by Splott itself
The set, lighting and projection design weave together imagery from around Splott. Sound Designer Tic Ashfield uses sounds recorded in Splott to create music embedded in the local area.

The creative team features some familiar names and a brand new face. Iphigenia yn Sblot introduces Seren Hamilton in her first professional role, directed by Alice Eklund (Associate Director Tales of the Brothers Grimm, Assistant Director Hansel a Gretel). Gary Owen’s work is familiar to Sherman audiences, with Romeo and Julie a hit in 2023, and A Christmas Carol returning to the Sherman this Christmas following its 2019 run.