As August bathes us in summer sunshine, it’s that time of year again where we welcome back our treasured National Eisteddfod. Standing proud as a prolific icon of culture and entertainment throughout Wales. Despite this years events taking place in a slightly different format to the usual festivities. We can marvel at their digital debut, and expect a hoard of enchanting events to take place online!
One event in particular, that we here at Buzz Magazine are very excited about, is Plethu/Weave. A collaboration between The National Dance Company Wales (NDCWales) and Literature Wales, to create eight incredible films from lockdown. Showcasing beautiful dancing, with the finest poetry Wales has to offer. Two of these films have been selected to premiere at this year’s Eisteddfod, featuring NDCWales Dancers Tim Volleman and Faye Tan, along with prized-poets Mererid Hopwood and Ifor Ap Glyn.
For each of the eight films created, we will have the pleasure of beholding a different couple of paired dancers and poets. Selected from a prestigious casting call for independent artists, the NDC and Literature Wales. Individuals will incorporate their own artistic flair, to perform gorgeously moving pieces. Representing vast styles of dancing, from ballet to hip-hop. Fluid movements will be synchronized with the most rousing poetry, to enchant our eyes and ears, enriching our creative souls. We do not doubt, that these wonderful combinations of art form will appeal to every possible sense!
NDCWales Associate Director, Lee Johnston, explains the creative approach in more detail;
“We were really excited with the range of independent dancers across Wales who applied to be a part of this special project. The four artists joining Plethu/Weave enrich the breadth of artistic contribution through practices that incorporate styles such as hip hop, Butoh, ballet and ballroom, and an enhanced application of what choreography is, involving objects, textiles and embroidery.
I’m looking forward to seeing how the dancers and poets weave the two art forms together and create powerful works full of movement and insight.”
The first two films will be available to watch via The Eisteddfod’s Online Premieres on Monday 3rd and Friday 7th August, and also on NDCWales and Literature Wales’ social media pages. From then onwards, a film from Plethu/Weave will be broadcast online every fortnight, as a part of KiN:Connected, NDCWales’ Digital Programme.
Full details of which can be found at www.ndcwales.co.uk or on social media.
It will be a delight to witness dance and poetry performed together.
Channelling such fantastic creativity, that will inspire all of us!
Words: Rebecca Llewellyn
Image : Hanan Issa
