October will see a Welsh legend reimagined on stage as Y Llyn arrives at Llanelli’s Ffwrnes on Wednesday 16th October at 7:30pm and Ammanford’s Glowyr on Thursday 17th October at 7:30pm. Y Llyn is a storytelling, dance and music performance inspired by the legend of Llyn y Fan Fach, told in both Welsh and English at the same time, and with BSL interpretation by Cathryn McShane. Love, loss and magic in the Welsh landscape will come alive on stage in this brand-new version of the classic tale.
The story of the Lady of the Lake from Llyn y Fan Fach is one of the best-known Welsh folktales, performed by BANDO! in a totally new way. Following a highly successful preview at Beyond the Border, Wales’ International Storytelling Festival, BANDO! are delighted to have received funding from Arts Council Wales to tour this acclaimed piece of work.
BANDO is a brand-new company steered by storyteller, Michael Harvey, and brings together artists from across other genres to create a fresh storytelling experience.
Storyteller, Michael Harvey with musician, Stacey Blythe and dancer, Eeva-Maria Mutka will create a 60 minute-long intimate storytelling experience told through Welsh, English, music and movement all at the same time.
The classic tale was originally based in Carmarthenshire, Bannau Brycheiniog. A young man would attend to his sheep and cattle near Llyn y Fan Fach while looking at the lake daydreaming of his future. It’s a beautiful love story about honour, respect and the mystery woman from the lake.
Storyteller, Michael Harvey said, “I knew from working with Stacey that storytelling and music were a fit. I had already discovered that Welsh/English bilingual telling worked and from working with Eeva-Maria I knew that the body and storytelling were a dynamic combination. What would happen if we put them all together? We premiered at Beyond the Border, it went down a storm and soon we’ll be on tour!”
If you are not a Welsh speaker, don’t worry – you won’t miss out. Audiences who have seen this show previously have been non-Welsh speakers and loved the fact they could hear both languages at the same time without needing translation equipment.
Here’s just some of the feedback from the first preview performance in 2021:
“This performance was my highlight at Beyond the Border Storytelling Festival. There was a real fusion between the three performers, creating an edginess to this evocative story that brought it right into our bodies in a way that was both electric and moving.”
Y Llyn will be BSL-interpreted by Cathryn McShane and is supported by Arts Council for Wales, National Lottery and Welsh Government.
Tickets are priced at £12.50 (£10.50 concessions) and can be booked online at www.theatrausirgar.co.uk or with the box office on 0345 2263510
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