As part of Art Across The City 2014, we have commissioned three writers and poets as part of the Dylan Thomas 100 centenary. New stories and poems from Niall Griffiths, Rhian Edwards and Rachel Trezise will appear across Swansea. Rachel Trezise is one of Wales most celebrated young authors. Her fiction and stage plays have received numerous awards including the Dylan Thomas Prize. Her work has been translated into several languages and has been published in Australia and New Zealand, Denmark and Italy. We caught up with Rachel ahead of her work being installed in Swansea.
Who are you?
My name is Rachel Trezise. I was born and still live in the Rhondda Valley. I’m thirty-something year’s old.
Hello, how are you?
To quote a rather silly Alanis Morissette song I’m free but I’m focused, I’m green but I’m wise, I’m hard but I’m friendly, (baby). Also, I’m tired but I’m working, (yeah). I’m brave but I’m chicken-****.
What do you do?
I’m a short story writer most well-known for winning the inaugural Dylan Thomas Prize seven years ago but I’m also a novelist, non-fiction writer and most recently a playwright.
What have you been doing recently?
My first stage play ‘Tonypandemonium’ was staged late last year by National Theatre Wales and early this year won the Theatre Critics of Wales Award for best production in the English Language. My second collection of short stories ‘Cosmic Latte’ came out last year too. I’ve also been working on a novel.
What are you doing for Art Across The City in Swansea?
I’m writing a couple of micro-fictions to be exhibited in different locations around the city.
What are your ideas behind the work?
In response to Jeremy Deller’s ‘More Poetry Needed’ mural I’m looking for the unknowing everyday poetry in dialogue spoken by Swansea residents in the city’s pubs and bars.
What do you think the public will make of it?
I’ve absolutely no idea. I wouldn’t like to do anything that I already knew or could guess the public’s response too.
What are you up to next?
I’m working on a few ideas for a new stage play and a new radio play, whilst also very quietly and slowly working on a third collection of short stories.
