2007 is the 90th anniversary of the death of one of Wales’ greatest icons, the poet Hedd Wyn. Hedd Wyn died in the trenches in Flanders six weeks before posthumously winning the chair at the Birkenhead Eisteddfod in 1917. This new play by Iwan Llwyd, one of Wales’ contemporary poetical icons, deals with the final hours of the Bard of the Black Chair prior to his death in the trenches.It is a play full of questions. Had Hedd Wyn returned alive to Wales would he have been as important to us as he is today? Indeed some people believe, as it is the belief of the dramatist, had he not died, he would not have won the chair - it was a case of political manipulation to award it to him. And to what extent was he influenced by communism – an anathema to the Liberal Welsh community he left behind in Wales? This is a play about Imperialism and the effects of war upon art and society; a powerful sounding post in the present world climate. The play’s Director, Ian Rowlands says, “Wales likes to wrap itself in convenient myths. I sometimes think that they are only there only to hide the unpalatable truths. The company is thrilled to stage this play which attempts to cut through to a truth.” Iwan Llwyd is one of Wales’ most celebrated poets. He won the crown at the National Eisteddfod in 1990 for his series of poems "Gwreichion" (Sparks), and the Welsh Arts Council Book of the Year award in 1997 for his volume Dan Ddylanwad (Under the Influence). He is also a musician and teaches poetry to young children throughout Wales. Diector: Ian Rowlands Designer: Rhys Jarman Cast Huw Garmon Huw Llyr Rhian Blythe Huw Garmon – Huw played the title role in the S4C film Hedd Wyn which was nominated for an Oscar in 1993. He is also well known to Welsh audiences for his long running role in Pobol y Cwm. Huw Llyr – Trained at the University in Aberystwyth. He was one of the main characters of Amdani and is currently a regular upon Rownd a Rownd. He has also appeared in Eastenders, Holby City and Tracey Beaker. Rhian Blythe – Trained at Queen Margaret’s Drama School in Edinburgh. She was, for two years, one of the core actors for the Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. The Tour Theatr Gwynedd, BANGOR March 2 & 3 Neuadd Dwyfor, PWLLHELI March 6 Theatr Ardudwy, HARLECH March 8 Theatr Elli, LLANELLI March 10 Leisure Centre, LLANFAIR CAEREINION March 12 Galeri, CAERNARFON March 15 Clwyd Theatr Cymru, MOLD March 16 Community Hall, LLANRWST March 17 Chapter, CARDIFF March 19 & 20 Village Hall, TRAWSFYNYDD March 22 ‘It will be the company’s pleasure to end this tour of Mae Gynnon ni hawl ar y Sêr in Trawsfynydd – Hedd Wyn’s home village where he is still fondly remembered’ For ticket information, contact the theatres direct. |
| Llwyfan Gogledd Cymru web site: www.llwyfan-gogledd-cymru.com |
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Wednesday, February 21, 2007 |
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