Bwystfilod Aflan

Unclean Beasts

Bwystfilod Aflan, a brand new National Eisteddfod commission by Music Theatre Wales and Music@Aber, performed with Sinfonia Cymru, challenges societal norms through opera, dance, and film, spotlighting the clash between tradition and the need for change.

This production also marks the beginning of Music Theatre Wales' new partnership with Sinfonia Cymru , a collaboration designed to benefit audiences across Wales, enrich the communities we engage with, and support the development of music and opera performance.

“Filth!”

“On your knees and beg for forgiveness”

Cancelled and reviled in the media, Edward Prosser Rhys had to face a storm of abuse in reaction to his poem ATGOF winning one of Wales’s most prestigious cultural prizes. He dared to speak the truth through art, but was met with shock and repulsion.

This was 100 years ago, but it might just as well have been today, when voices daring to diverge from the norm are still met with resistance.

Edward Prosser Rhys's depictions of sex and lust and inclusion of a romance between two young men in his poem was a bold reflection of his reality, challenging the societal norms of his time, a time when homosexuality was still illegal, and would be for another 40 years. Yet, it was the response of those who chose to both "rebuke and reward" his creative expression that truly highlighted the era's complexities and biases.

Following his outrageously successful, Abomination: A DUP Opera, Conor Mitchell once again crafts an operatic exploration into the heart of societal upheaval.

This newly commissioned performance combines an operatic monologue performed by tenor Elgan Llŷr Thomas, and a reflective piece by dancer/actor Eddie Ladd. Bwystfilod Aflan will scrutinise the societal shockwaves triggered by Atgof, probing into the changes within the country, its retained secrets, and the undercurrents of modernism. Through the lens of opera, dance and film, we witness the clash between enduring beliefs and the imperative for change, in an exciting and imaginative piece created in collaboration with and directed by Jac Ifan Moore and designed by Elin Steele.

Music Theatre Wales, Music@Aber and Sinfonia Cymru, proudly present this commission for the National Eisteddfod.

"Pollute and corrupt”

“better suited to Sodom and Gomorrah than to Wales”

CAST & CREATIVES

Bwystfilod Aflan is in two parts:
An operatic monodrama created by Conor Mitchell and Jac Ifan Moore, with music composed by Conor Mitchell and text prepared by Jac Ifan Moore and Conor Mitchell.
&
A movement and voice reflection on ATGOF by Prosser Rhys, created by Eddie Ladd, Sion Orgon and Jac Ifan Moore.

Performers

• Elgan Llŷr Thomas
• Eddie Ladd

Sinfonia Cymru Ensemble

• Violin - Zea Hunt
• Cello - Edward Mead
• Harp - Alis Huws
• Clarinet - Isha Crichlow
• Double Bass - Elen Roberts

Creative Team

• Conor Mitchell - Composer
• Jac Ifan Moore - Director
• Iwan Teifion Davies - Conductor
• Elin Steele - Designer
• Andy Pike - Lighting Designer / Production Manager
• Sion Orgon - Sound Designer
• Deborah Light - Movement consultation
• William Hughes - Stage Manager

TOUR DATES

The Muni, Pontypridd, National Eisteddfod
Monday 5 August 2024 7.30pm
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Studio, Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Wednesday 9 October 2024 7.30pm
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Small World Theatre, Cardigan
Friday 11 October 2024 7.30pm
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Theatr Y Werin, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Aberystwyth
Wednesday 16 October 2024 7.30pm
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Performance Space, Ty Pawb, Wrexham
Thursday 17 October 2024 7.30pm
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PARTNERS

Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru

The National Eisteddfod is one of the world's leading cultural events, with a history dating back to 1176. The modern Eisteddfod alternates between North and South Wales, promoting the Welsh language and culture through a wide range of activities. The Maes hosts 150 stands and stalls, and the programme includes literature, folk music, STEM activities, and children's events. Competitions and Gorsedd ceremonies honour the best in Welsh arts, attracting visitors of all ages to this family-friendly event.

Music@Aber

Music@Aber has a long and distinguished history dating back to the appointment of Joseph Parry as the first Professor of Music in 1874. From the first Welsh opera to contemporary symphonies and songs, Aberystwyth has been at the heart of ambitious new Welsh music. The programme includes a symphony orchestra, wind band, strings group, informal choir, and jamming group, all free of charge and open to students and community members alike, reflecting a belief that music is for everyone, with no barriers.

Sinfonia Cymru

Sinfonia Cymru is an orchestra that aims to make classical music accessible to everyone in Wales. Working with some of the best young musicians, the orchestra performs in community venues, making concerts affordable and inclusive. The musicians are encouraged to curate their own concerts, often blending classical with other genres such as jazz, folk, and pop. Sinfonia Cymru also organises free music workshops in schools and has established 'Hafan' partnerships with community venues, investing in projects and tours for Welsh audiences.

Funding Support

We are very grateful to the following for their support

• Anonymous
• Arts Council of Wales
• Boltini Trust
• Fidelio Charitable Trust
• Hinrichsen Foundation
• Vaughan Williams Foundation