Pink Mist

This verse-drama follows three young soldiers from Bristol as they navigate their deployment to Afghanistan and the emotional aftermath, impacting their relationships with the women in their lives.

Pink Mist is a poignant verse-drama that explores the experiences of three young soldiers from Bristol—Arthur, Hads, and Taff—who are deployed to Afghanistan. This award-winning work, recognized as the Wales Book of the Year, delves into the motivations behind their enlistment, revealing the personal stories that drive them to serve. As school friends still in their teens, they each carry unique burdens and aspirations, setting the stage for a profound examination of friendship and sacrifice.

Upon their return from combat, the soldiers must confront the impact of their service on the women in their lives, including a mother, a wife, and a girlfriend. These relationships are tested as they navigate the psychological and physical aftershocks of war. The narrative captures the emotional turmoil faced by both the soldiers and their loved ones, highlighting the often-overlooked consequences of modern warfare.

Pink Mist stands out for its dramatic power and emotional depth, employing a blend of everyday language and heightened speech to convey the human cost of conflict. Drawing inspiration from interviews with soldiers and their families, as well as ancient texts like the medieval Welsh poem Y Gododdin, the work serves as a compelling lyric narrative that sheds light on the experiences of those affected by the Afghanistan conflict. Additionally, it was shortlisted for the BBC Audio Drama Awards in 2013, showcasing Owen Sheers's remarkable talent for language and poetic storytelling.