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Madog Center for Welsh Studies
Taliesin To
celebrate Saint David’s Day 2000, the University of Rio Grande
presented a
production of Taliesin.
This play was especially adapted for children, yet appealed to
all ages.
The focus of this play is not on the poet attributed to the 6th
century, but on the mythological folk-tale character Taliesin.
The tale begins with Taliesin, having been discovered by Elffin
and his wife Emreis, who recounts his magical birth:
Ceridwen, the goddess, brews a potion intended for her
unfortunate, ugly son, Morfran.
However,
the magical distilled drops, which had brewed for a year, fell
upon Gwion Bach who had been charged with stirring the cauldron.
A wild and fantastical chase follows, Ceridwen and Gwion Bach
metamorphically change from creature to creature until at last Ceridwen
in the form of a hen swallows Gwion Bach, a grain of wheat.
Nine months later Ceridwen gives birth to a beautiful baby whom
she cannot kill, yet cannot keep.
Instead, she places the child in a coracle which she casts into
the sea.
The story comes full circle and we are back in the present with
Elffin who gives Gwion Bach a new name, Taliesin. A
new, yet closely related adventure begins, where Taliesin pits his wits
against King Maelgwn’s poets and rescues Elffin from certain death at
the hands of the King.
The tale illustrates the growth and strength of Taliesins Muse
and poetic talents.
The
cast consisted of a talented group of youngsters and some more “experienced”
actors.
The performance was directed by Craig Smith who directed the
company's last production, Little Totem; a tremendous success.
Kevin Lyles, also of the University of Rio Grande headed the team
of artists who worked with the renowned puppeteer Ralph Lee, a
master mask maker for 35 years. They created the life size puppets of
fantastical nature seen in these pictures. The New York Times described
Mr. Lee as a “puppeteer,
designer and director, dramatizing folk tales and legends from diverse
native cultures.” (March 13, 1998)
There were a number of performances for local school children, some 14 schools in all, and there was one evening performance dedicated to St David’s Day. March the 1st therefore, saw the debut performance, in the Fine Arts Theatre, University of Rio Grande. It was thoroughly enjoyed by all - the special effects and elaborate puppets and costumes enchanted all who came to see Taliesin.
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Madog Center for Welsh Studies Phone number: (740) 245-7186 |
