The Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has recently announced the names of the companies who will receive funding for the production of two touring main-stage Welsh language productions for 2003. The announcement forms the first part of a concerted drive by the Arts Council of Wales to rejuvenate Welsh language Theatre. Following an invitation to tender, seven companies submitted applications, with only two companies selected by Council to stage their performances during 2003. Sgript Cymru will produce a stage version of Amdani, a play with music and songs derived from Bethan Gwanas' acclaimed novel and television series. Theatr Gwynedd will produce a main-stage production of Dan-y-Wenallt, based on Dylan Thomas’ Under Milk Wood. The production will coincide with the celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the poet’s death. Sybil Crouch, chairman of ACW has noted that 'the standard of the submissions received by the Arts Council of Wales was exceptionally high, and augers well for the future of Welsh Language theatre in Wales,' remarking that the funds available meant that only two productions could be staged next year. Crouch has added that such was the standard of the other applications, they will be passed on for production to Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, a new Welsh Language Theatre Company to be established by the ACW. Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru, according to the ACW, will be an independent producing company aimed at delivering an exciting and contemporary style of theatre, which has meaning and relevance 'but is also flexible enough to compete successfully with other media.'