A PONTARDDULAIS man has won a major literary award at the National Eisteddfod.

Cai Llewelyn Evans, who grew up in Pontarddulais but now lives in Cardiff, won the Drama Medal at the Llŷn and Eifionydd National Eisteddfod.

He has always had a passion for writing and literature, with his education at Ysgol Bryniago, Pontarddulais, followed by Ysgol y Strade, Llanelli and then Aberystwyth University where he gained a masters in American Postmodern Literature, with a dissertation on August Wilson’s plays.

Cai lived in Tokyo for a decade, working as an editor and journalist with the Japan Times before moving to work in financial services and is now working in the Senedd’s translation and recording service.

He has previously written sketches for radio and short films and was a member of Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s New Playwrights Group.

He was given the Drama Medal on Thursday, August 10, having entered the competition to write a stage play with no length restriction.

There were 26 entries, including Cai’s play which he wrote under the pseudonym Wasabi and is called Eiliad o Ddewiniaeth.

The competition was judged by Steffan Donnelly, Seiriol Davies and Elgan Rhys.

Steffan said: “Eiliad o Ddewiniaeth by Wasabi is the play that feels the most complete and coherent of the 26.

"It’s sure and confident in its theatrical form with a clear climax and revelation that takes us on a complex and emotional journey.

"A simple story with a tight focus on the relationship between Ceri, a 12-year-old neurodiverse boy and his mother, Alys.

“The characters are well-rounded, and clearly a lot of thought has gone into building the characters and their relationship with each other.

"It’s great to see a neurodiverse main character – and it’s an extremely sensitive and believable portrayal.

"Ceri and Alys’ relationship is beautifully tender and intricate with occasional moments that bring a tear to the eye.

“The play has a clear audience of early teenagers, but there’s something for everyone in it too.

"The way Ceri comments on everything as a football pundit is a very effective way to reflect feelings and the voice of society.

"It’s a device that highlights otherisation and the pressure to fit in and examines the lies we tell each other and ourselves.

“Eiliad o Ddewiniaeth is a mischievous play, full of pathos that is most ready for the stage.”

The Drama Medal was presented in memory of Eiryth and Urien Wiliam and donated by their children Hywel, Sioned and Steffan. Cai also won £750 from the Huw Roberts Memorial Fund.