A CEREDIGION woman has been announced as Chief Dramatist at this year's Urdd Eisteddfod.

Today (Wednesday 31 May) Elain Roberts from Pentre’r Bryn near New Quay was announced the Chief Dramatist of the 2023 Carmarthenshire Urdd Eisteddfod, being held in Llandovery.

Competing under the pseudonym I/II? this is the first time the 22-year-old has competed in the Drama Medal competition.

A keen writer and reader, Elain was awarded third prize in the Crowning Ceremony at the Urdd Eisteddfod in Denbighshire last year.

Ten entries were presented to the judges, Gethin Evans and Steffan Donnelly, for the Drama Medal competition this year.

This year the competitors were required to compose a play or monologue suitable for performance for any medium, for no more than two actors, and no longer than 15 minutes.

Referring to all the Drama Medal competitors, the judges said: “It was encouraging to see the young writers addresses big questions, whilst also paying attention to the characters and drama but also avoiding preaching when dealing with heavy themes.”

Elain is about to finish her final year at Bristol University where she is studying French and Politics. Last year she spent a year in Lille, France working as a teaching assistant at high school as part of her course.

Referring to I/II? The judges said: “The I/II? monologue takes us straight to the heart of our main character. Set in a toilet cubicle, the main character is awaiting a pregnancy test result. With a skilful balance of humour and drama, the playwriter deals with consent with skill, whilst also capturing our attention with a character who feels confusion and loneliness.

“This piece brings together the key elements of an exciting script – a relevant character, clear form, a complete world, an evolving narrative, detailed structure and lively dialogue. Beyond these elements, it's an honest script that demands attention, and as an audience we feel like we get to experience the main character's secrets in a way that isn’t shared with anyone else.”

Discussing the inspiration of the play, Elain said: “I remember thinking to myself when I moved to university aged 18 how openly other people discussed topics that I, and I would argue most Welsh people, see as taboo. Things like people's relationships with each other, sex, the body, feelings, and complexities that come with each of these.

“This is the first play I've ever written so the fact that I won gives me a boost and confidence for the future. Sending your work to a competition as big as the Urdd can scare someone, I fully understand that. You can feel open to criticism and doubt your work - but it's worth it. There is always room for new voices, and people need to hear them. Also, the feedback is useful for the future and more than anything, you might be pleasantly surprised - who knows! "

The Drama Medal is presented this year by the Penroc Family, Llandovery and the competition is sponsored by Aberystwyth University. As part of the award Elain will also have an opportunity to spend a year as a Young Resident Playwriter with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru.

The second prize was awarded to Brennig Davies from Cardiff and the third place went to Leo Drayton from Radyr, Cardiff.

The Urdd Carmarthenshire Eisteddfod will be held all week, between 29 May - 3 June.