On Tuesday 19 February, poetry will take centre stage at the Senedd
Tuesday 19 February 2019
From 10.30 am
Y Senedd, Cardiff Bay
Free Event
On Tuesday 19 February, poetry will take centre stage at the Senedd – the home of democracy and devolution in Wales.
As the events marking the centenary of the First World War draw to a close, Literature Wales has organised Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes, a bilingual day of reflection on war and peace in Wales, with readings, commissioned lectures, performances and presentations from some of Wales’ leading poets and writers.
The event is sponsored by the First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford and organised by Literature Wales with support from the Welsh Government’s Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 First World War Centenary Programme.
As well as readings by a number of Assembly Members, Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes will include performances of commissioned poems by: National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn, Gillian Clarke, Alan Llwyd, Eric Ngalle Charles and Nerys Williams; a new, original poetry show by Cywion Cranogwen; and commissioned lectures by Nerys Williams, Aled Eirug and Phil Carradice on subjects such as the Welsh opposition to the First World War, Ivor Novello and Welsh Music Halls, and war poetry past and present.
Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes will also include presentations by pupils from Calon Cymru School, Builth Wells and Fitzalan High School, Cardiff, who will showcase work created during participatory creative writing workshops held at their schools. Working with Rufus Mufasa and Elan Grug Muse, Ysgol Calon Cymru explored the relationship between art and war using Welsh works Y Gododdin and Canu Heledd, as well as international mixed media texts as inspiration. Using archives housed at Cardiff University, critic Jafar Iqbal and students from Fitzalan High School explored critic and poet Edward Thomas’ life and works before looking at contemporary comparisons by writers and artists such as Johnny Cash, Cat Stevens, U2 and OneRepublic, and writing their own critical articles on them.
First Minister of Wales, Mark Drakeford AM said: “The First World War had a tremendous impact on Wales’ communities, which still resonates with us today. It is unsurprising that such a significant moment in our history continues to inspire poets, writers and performers over a century later.
“Creative work helps us to reflect on and learn from our past, which is why we are proud to support Literature Wales to host this event through the Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918 programme. The work that has been specially commissioned will serve as a lasting legacy of our Welsh commemoration of the centenary of the First World War.”
Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said: “I’m delighted to be involved in this poetic takeover of the Senedd. A fully democratic art form, poetry has been invaluable in documenting and exploring the devastating effects of conflicts across the ages, and Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes will showcase its power as we continuously strive for peace.”
To discuss coverage options for this one-off event, or to request interviews, pictures, and/or biographies, please contact Literature Wales: 029 2047 2266 / press@literaturewales.org
