It’s probably rare to see a theatrical performance at an agricultural show, but that was exactly the treat for Denbigh and Flint Show attendees recently, thanks to Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych.
A one-woman show, by the interactive show company about historical Welsh character and stories, ‘Mewn Cymeriad’, awaited a warm audience in the Merched y Wawr pavilion on the showground. And a perfectly suitable theme for a show full of quality show sheep, was wool, titled ‘Gwlan Gwlan.’
We get a history through the eyes of Lady Llanofer, the first Welsh fashion icon and an ambassador of wool to clothe women during the nineteenth century.
Actress, Catrin Morgan had the task of battling against the merriment of a county show in a canvas tent and she succeeded superbly. She grasped the attention of the audience who had filled the performance space, with the children sitting on mats at the front absorbed in the show. The fact that she offered them dressing up woollen clothers to wear, chatted directly with them throughout the show and brought them into the world of ‘Leidi Llanofer’ as actors themselves, was fantastic.
Two of the youngsters were given the opportunity to mime the movements of the wool production process, with Lady Llanofer herself. From the shearing, sorting, breaking, combing, spinning, weaving, washing, drying and then dyeing the woollen threads, there were enough gestures and movements to keep the two little ones amused!
Both performances of the show would not have been possible without the support of Denbighshire Leisure via UK Government funding. It is definitely a great way to ensure that public bodies support the Welsh language in a live setting, taking the language to the people. As the arts face a period of uncertainty, thankfully the Menter Iaith Sir Ddinbych team can think outside the box.
Another ‘Mewn Cymeriad’ production will visit Denbighshire in the coming weeks. Annie Cwrt Mawr, a one-woman play based on the life of Annie Jane Hughes Griffiths. An equality and international campaigner for peace who gave a voice to the women of Wales will be performed in English at Ruthin Gaol on Thursday 12 of September 2024 and in Welsh on Friday afternoon 13 of September at Theatr John Ambrose, Rhuthun. Tickets for the English show at Ruthin Gaol on 12 of Sept are available from Eventbrite >>> https://bit.ly/3Xbs8Tj with tickets for the Welsh show on 13 of Sept available from Menter Iaith on 01745 812822 / menter@misirddinbych.cymru