2015 sees the 150th anniversary of the birth of Irish poet WB Yeats. Born on 13 June 1865, Yeats was the first Irishman to be honoured with the Nobel Prize in Literature (1923), and is rightly perceived as one of the foremost figures of 20th century literature.
Events have been taking place across Ireland and internationally throughout 2015. Now the spotlight turns to Wales, as Literature Wales and the Welsh Government jointly present When you are old: Yeats at 150. This special event in celebration the life and work of WB Yeats will be held at the historical REDHOUSE in Merthyr Tydfil on Monday 9 November.
The evening’s proceedings will include a talk by the Ambassador of Ireland for Great Britain, Daniel Mulhall, who is a lifelong admirer of the poet’s work. The event will be chaired by Professor Damian Walford Davies, Chair of Literature Wales, who will also lead a Q&A session with the Ambassador.
Following light refreshments, the evening will begin with a presentation of new work inspired by Yeats created by the Merthyr Young People’s Writing Squads, as well as local writing and arts clubs. The writing workshops were led by award-winning Merthyr poet Mike Jenkins, and a letterpress workshop was led by poet and artist Francesca Kay. The workshops were organised in partnership with Merthyr Tydfil libraries and Head4Arts.
Ken Skates, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism said: “This event is a great opportunity to celebrate the life and works of WB Yeats. Creative writing workshops inspired by the great poet have been run in the local area for those who want to try their own hand at writing. I look forward to hearing the new poetry created in these workshops performed at the Redhouse.”
Daniel Mulhall, The Ambassador of Ireland for Great Britain said: “W.B. Yeats is one of Ireland’s literary giants and I am delighted to have this opportunity to share my appreciation of his work with an audience of literature enthusiasts in Wales.”
Lleucu Siencyn, Chief Executive of Literature Wales said: “I fell in love with Yeats’ poetry many years ago, and often found in his work parallels with Welsh poetry. It’s a great honour to be able to host such a prestigious evening, and at one of our most significant historic buildings.”
Tickets for the event cost £5 and can be purchased by emailing Literature Wales: [email protected] or telephoning them on 029 2047 2266.
