The programme is now available for this year’s Dylan Thomas Festival, which runs from 26 October to 9 November. This international celebration focuses not only on Thomas’ work, but that of his friends, contemporaries and those inspired by him. The celebration will feature the usual eclectic mix of poetry, prose, drama, film, exhibitions, talks and special guests, with at least one event every day.
This, the twelfth Dylan Thomas Festival, is dedicated to the memory of Aeronwy Thomas Ellis, only daughter of Dylan and Caitlin Thomas, who died on 27 July 2009. Aeronwy was a great supporter of the festival, and of all the work of the Dylan Thomas Centre. The Centre has always been very committed to the encouragement and development of local talent, and in Aeronwy’s memory, this year’s festival has a particularly strong emphasis on Swansea’s own considerable contingent of writers, as well as other names from the rest of Wales and beyond.
We welcome the evergreen talent of Dannie Abse, who attended one of Dylan’s last UK readings, and who is writing as well as ever into his 80s, as well as the vocal and lyrical skills of Cerys Matthews. As well as Aeronwy, we celebrate the great Richard Burton, and Mumbles’ own Alun Richards.
We look at two writers who influenced Dylan – Shakespeare and W.B.Yeats - and those who were influenced by him, like the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes. New stars such as Owen Sheers and Rhian Edwards perform alongside established figures like Peter Finch and Menna Elfyn.
A host of talented Swansea-born or based writers take part, including acclaimed novelist Stevie Davies, poet Nigel Jenkins and the multi-talented Fflur Dafydd.
We feature those who, over the years have made significant contributions to the festival, including John Goodby, Peter Read, Phil Bowen and Fluellen Theatre Company.
There is a one-day conference on the poetry of Dylan’s contemporary and friend Lynette Roberts, and premieres of new plays about Dylan and that other Welsh giant David Lloyd George by D.J.Britton.
There are workshops, films, music and exhibitions, and a showcase for lesser-known, up and coming young Swansea writers in our Stuff Happens event. Alongside all this runs the Swansea Fringe Festival. In short, this exciting festival offers something for everyone!
The programme is available online at http://www.dylanthomas.com/
Please see www.dylanthomasfringe.com/
For more information on the Dylan Thomas Centre visit http://www.swansea.gov.uk/
