I have looked long at this land,Trying to understand My place in it RS Thomas Twitching at the birds of Ynys-hir, glimpses of unpublished letters, sermons in his churches, and brand new creative responses to his words: 2013 marks the centenary of the birth of the controversial, contradictory and exceptionally gifted Nobel Prize-nominated Welsh poet RS Thomas. This formidable priest wrapped his verse around “the true Wales” of his imagination, challenging the rural idyll of the middle classes and often bitterly reproaching the Welsh people’s apathy towards Anglicisation. Politically outspoken, RS Thomas warred with many throughout his life, building a sixty-year long poetry back catalogue which has inspired the highest critical acclaim, an adoring readership and coveted sales figures. To celebrate the life and works of one of the world’s finest twentieth century writers, organisations and individuals across Wales and beyond are planning a series of events, new books and major projects. Up to date information can be found at www.rsthomas2013.org throughout the year. Literature Wales CEO Lleucu Siencyn says: “RS Thomas is not only one of the most significant and unique voices of Welsh literature, he is many different people’s favourite poet. Attracting significant international attention from as far away as Korea, Japan and the USA, he unites critics and readers from a diverse range of backgrounds. I am delighted that Wales and the wider world are marking RS Thomas as one of Wales’ best exports”. Events include: o 25 March, 2013 – Feature on S4C Professor M. Wynn Thomas will appear on Pethe discussing RS Thomas and interviewing Gwyneth Lewis. o 29 March, 2013 – BBC Radio 4 Broadcast RS Thomas’ verse play The Minister will be broadcast on Afternoon Theatre, between 2.00 pm – 3.00 pm. o 11 April, 2013 – Lecture, Exhibition Opening and Book Launch in Bangor A lecture by Professor M. Wynn Thomas entitled ‘Yr Hen Fam’: RS Thomas and the Church in Wales at 7.00 pm at the Main Arts Lecture Theatre, Bangor University; followed by the formal opening of the exhibition of materials from the RS Thomas Centre’s archival collection; followed by the launch of R.S. Thomas: Uncollected Poems (Bloodaxe Books) edited by Professor Tony Brown and Dr Jason Walford Davies. Organised by The Learned Society of Wales. o 18 April, 2013 – RS Thomas: A Celebration and Book Launch in Swansea An evening of poetry, music and discussion at the Dylan Thomas Centre featuring performances from poet Menna Elfyn, musician and lecturer Brian Breeze, Professor M. Wynn Thomas and Professor Tony Brown. The evening will include the launch of R.S. Thomas: Serial Obsessive (University of Wales Press) by M. Wynn Thomas o 25 May, 2013 – RS Thomas at Hay Festival The 2013 Welsh Academy Gwyn Jones lecture, delivered by Professor Tony Brown (second speaker tbc) at 7.00 pm, will focus on RS Thomas. o 27 June, 2013 – Gregynog Festival’s RS Thomas Day Gregynog Festival presents a day of RS Thomas-themed events, featuring a talk by Professor M. Wynn Thomas, a guided walk of RS Thomas’ Manafon and New Mills led by Professor Tony Brown, and an evening concert with the cellist Guy Johnston. o 29 June, 2013 - Literary Tour in Aberdaron Literature Wales’ Welsh language literary tour of Aberdaron, led by Professor Damian Walford Davies, will explore RS Thomas’ later life in this western tip of the Ll_n Peninsula. o 7 September, 2013 – Literary Tour in Eglwysfach Professor Damian Walford Davies will lead a Literature Wales literary tour around RSPB nature reserve, Ynys-hir estate, where RS Thomas spent many hours bird-watching. o 11 December, 2013 – Lecture by Rowan Williams in Bangor Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will give a lecture about RS Thomas at Bangor University. Forthcoming books include: o R.S. Thomas: Serial Obsessive (University of Wales Press) by M. Wynn Thomas o Uncollected Poems: by RS Thomas (Bloodaxe Books) co-edited by Tony Brown and Jason Walford Davies o Imagined Greetings: Poetic Engagements with RS Thomas (Gwasg Carreg Gwalch) edited by David Lloyd o The Things Left Unsaid: RS Thomas & Me (Parthian) by Lee McOwan o The Wry Romance of the Literary Rectory (Thames & Hudson) by Deborah Alun-Jones For contact details and further information, visit www.rsthomas2013.org. |
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Wednesday, March 6, 2013 |
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