Pre-eminent Welsh interdisciplinary artist Marc Rees will transform the city of Swansea for five days this September with Nawr Yr Arwr/ Now The Hero. This theatrical experience will take visitors on an extraordinary journey through three narratives of war; from the beautiful Swansea Bay beach to discovering artistic treasures in the city’s iconic Brangwyn Hall.
In an immersive two and half hour production, Rees will work with a stellar creative team to bring to life the epic poem ‘Y Gododdin/The Gododdin’, through a new immersive requiem scored by budding Welsh composer Owen Morgan Roberts, with a libretto by Welsh writer Owen Sheers (Mametz, The Passion) and sung by Polyphony, Stephen Layton’s world famous, twice Grammy nominated choir.
This ambitious project will be a highlight in Wales of the programme for the final year of 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts programme for the First World War centenary. Nawr Yr Arwr/ Now The Hero will take place within and around the Guildhall/Brangwyn Hall complex against the proactive backdrop of The British Empire Panels by Sir Frank Brangwyn RA (1867-1956), as the opening event of the 2018 Swansea International Festival.
Marc Rees said “Over the past number of years, I’ve discovered time and again that works of culture and creativity can open up not just buildings that have been closed for years but also communities. Now the Hero/Nawr YrArwr reflects Swansea’s rich history and sheds light on a somewhat neglected series of paintings with a tragic message in what promises to be a truly unique immersive experience. I can think of no better way to mark the final year of 14-18 NOW than to create a defining Welsh production, in poignant commemoration.”
Nawr Yr Arwr/Now the Hero explores stories of battle from three distinct periods of Welsh history; a medieval warrior, a World War One Private and a contemporary solider and counterpoints this telling with a sense of hope via a protagonist played by the formidable Welsh performer Eddie Ladd.
The contemporary solider will be played by David Williams, a Swansea-raised Captain of 2nd Battalion The Rifles. He has served in Afghanistan, Gabon, South Sudan and Iraq and studies at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. In January 2018, Williams left the military and plans to retrain as a therapist and powerlifting instructor whilst becoming involved in the art community of Swansea.
Now the Hero/Nawr YrArwr runs 25th – 29th September 2018. More details here.
