Combining the magic of the bardic story-teller with the mystery of The Mabinogion, this show promises to be an evening of great entertainment for young and old alike.
Image for Taliesin, a Teller of Tales
Taliesin was created when Gwion Bach supped form the magic cauldron of Cerridwen, and so he became the great bard. The monologue, performed by award-winning actor, Adrian Metcalfe, tells the story of Taliesin’s creation based in the myths of time, and then move into his life as a stroy-teller, culminating in the telling of the Four Branches of the Mabinogion. Following the performance and in the run-up to the show, Adrian is in character to allow children and parents to ask questions about life in dark ages Wales, the role of the bard in society and also the history and political structures of Wales during this period.
There is a ‘set’ and ‘costumes’ including instruments and the tools of the trade, there’s also a hands-on session to allow visitors to learn more about life in this important period in Welsh history.
The performance can take place in a chamber/room/great hall of the monument, atmospherically lit if at night, so that the audience can engage with the monument in a manner reminiscent of the builders and inhabitants of the place at its inception. It will engage and interest the audience in the history and folkloric tradition of Wales in a manner that will enable them to connect with the tales at a less academic and more human level.
The performance is primarily in English with a significant amount of Welsh, but there will be the possibility of communication in Welsh, Italian, French and German as the actor speaks all of these languages to some extent. In this way, as well as increasing the level of understanding and appreciation with the Welsh audience it will introduce a foreign audience to the traditions and history of Wales in the perfect setting.
This performance can be presented as an individual ticketed show in the monuments themselves or as a part of a wider festival – for instance as a section of a mediaeval weekend held in the monuments.
Taliesin, a Teller of Tales, Oystermouth Castle, April 3rd 2013.
Mark Rees, South Wales Evening Post
“THINGS aren’t always what they seem,” the enigmatic storyteller continuously reminded us, as he recounted tales from wicked witches with cursed cauldrons to valiant knights protecting ancient lands.
Presented by Mumbles-based theatre company Lighthouse, this monologue, retelling magical and mysterious tales of the Mabinogion, was directed by Robert Pugh, and starred Adrian Metcalfe as the mysterious bard.
With the most minimalistic of props, namely a throne and a book, the scene was set for an atmospheric performance in a draughty old room within Oystermouth Castle.
Illuminated by two spotlights, and with the wind whistling through the cracks in the wall, Adrian, garbed in medieval-looking attire, looked the part as he narrated these wonderful tales from Welsh folklore.
The legends came to life as he animatedly waved his arms, screeched like a witch and ran like a hare, while the younger members of the crowd were entertained and involved throughout. A nice, intimate, all-ages’ performance, and a great way to spend a sunny bank holiday evening.
