On May 18th, Menter Iaith Conwy and In Character company will bring the historical story of Llywelyn the Great to life.
As part of an event celebrating Llanrwst’s heritage, the language enterprise has commissioned the Welsh one-man show by company Mewn Cymeriad/In Character as a way to raise awareness of the connection between the ex Prince of Wales with the town.
The recent coworking adds to the good relationship between Mewn Cymeriad and the Mentrau Iaith network across Wales, who have commissioned or developed 5 shows over the years including Kate Roberts’ story, the Merthyr Riots & Dic Penderyn and more.
Eleri Twynog, director of Mewn Cymeriad/In Character says;
“We are very happy to be working with the Mentrau Iaith all over Wales to bring local historical characters to life. The ability to work with the local enterprises allows us to reach communities across the country and share stories about the history of Wales.”
The show will follow the antics of Harri Liwt ei Hun, a fictional musician from Llywelyn’s court, bringing the middle ages into the 21st century. Neil ‘Maffia’ Williams will play the role created by local bard Myrddin ap Dafydd, Archdruid of the National Eisteddfod Gorsedd 2019-22.
The ‘Dathlu Treftadaeth Llanrwst’ (Celebrating Llanrwst Heritage) event is the pinnacle of the year long project financed by Llanrwst Town Council, Snowdonia Partnership Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, Conwy Council and Conwy Cynhaliol European funding to raise the feeling of heritage in the town leading up to welcoming the National Eisteddfod to the area.
Esyllt Tudur Adair, project co-ordinator from Menter Iaith Conwy, says;
“As we prepare to welcome one of the biggest cultural Welsh events, Menter Iaith Conwy believes it’s important for local residents to know about our local heritage to fully promote the area when the rest of Wales arrives in August.
The event is a fantastic way to finish a project that brings many aspects of the town’s heritage together – the wool industry, historical games and the town’s history including Llywelyn the Great’s tomb within the ancient church. It’s been great to work with Mewn Cymeriad to develop the show as part of our event. Everyone’s welcome!”
Lowri Jones, Chair of Mentrau Iaith Cymru says;
“It’s a pleasure to see the local Mentrau Iaith working Mewn Cymeriad to bring Welsh historical characters to life. Unfortunately, Welsh history and the history of the language is lost from children’s education in Wales, and so it’s great to have a company like Mewn Cymeriad sharing these stories in a fun and easy way to Welsh speakers and English speakers alike of all ages, increasing our sense of local identity.”
Dathlu Treftadaeth Llanrwst event is held on Ysgol Bro Gwydir field and Llanrwst community centre on May 18th from 10am to 2pm. Visit www.miconwy.cymru for more information.
