In early 2023, storyteller Milly Jackdaw visited various sites around Wales and Scotland to explore the landscape and its connection to the tales of Myrddin, otherwise known as Merlin. Funded by Arts Council Wales, this was part of a research and development process to create a storytelling performance entitled Mochyn Myrddin/Merlin’s Pig, in which Milly follows a trail that has led her from London to Wales and beyond.
Tales of the 6th century Myrddin in the forest of Celyddon, and the revealing of the location of his wild sanctuary by writer Nikolai Tolstoy in his book The Quest for Merlin, activated a yearning in Milly to visit that place, and to enrich her storytelling with the imagery, energy and insights received there. Further explorations have led to discoveries around the relationship of the story locations to ancient ceremonial sites in Wales and to the Earth energies that converge in those places.
In Mochyn Myrddin/Merlin’s Pig, we find Myrddin seeking the sanctuary of an apple tree, a remedy for disturbing futuristic visions triggered by the Battle of Arderydd. He befriends a wolf and a pig and the stories they tell each other unearth deep memories of an ancient sow goddess, a gallant quest involving the pursuit of the giant boar Twrch Trwyth, Myrddins own early life, and his mysterious conception. Our journey takes us to the final chapter of Myrddin’s life on Ynys Enlli, Bardsey Island in Wales.
Milly weaves personal experience with myths and folktales to reveal their relevance in our current times, and restore a sense of meaning, wonder and hope. She is excited to present this show in Canolfan llwynihirion/ Brynberian Centre and The Queens Hall in Narberth, Pembrokeshire, which sit in the heart of the mythic landscape, with nearby features prominent in the stories.
Mochyn Myrddin/Merlin’s Pig has been performed at Aberystwyth Storytelling Festival, Beyond the Borders Storytelling Festival and The Centre for Storytelling in Edinburgh.
The upcoming Welsh tour will include:
25th September 2024. Ffwrnes Theatre, Llaneli. 0345 2263510
28th September 2024. The Nurture Centre, Carmarthen. 01267 231127
11th October 2024. Canolfan llwynihirion/ Brynberian Centre, Pembrokeshire. 07767 124464
24th October 2024. The Queens Hall, Narberth. 01834 861212
1st Novemeber 2024. Canolfan Ucheldre Arts Centre, Holyhead. 01407 763361
8th November 2024.Canolfan y Celfyddydau Aberystwyth Arts Centre. 01970 623232
14th November 2024.Theatre Brycheiniog. Brecon. 01874 611622
16th November 2024. The Lost Arc, Rhayader. 01597 811226
15th March 2025. Cilcain Village Hall/Neuadd y Pentre, Cilcain.
29th March 2025. Canolfan y Celfyddydau Memo Arts Centre, Barry. 01446 738622
Coed Hills Rural Artspace. Cowbridge. Date to be confirmed.
For further information on the research for Mochyn Myrddin/Merlin’s Pig why not check out Milly’s blog/ http://www.millyjackdaw.com/blog You can also find more information on all Milly’s upcoming performances on her website. http://www.millyjackdaw.com
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