Some of Meirionnydd 2014 Urdd National Eisteddfod ‘Dyma Fi’ cast who will be performign at Theatr Harlech during Eisteddfod week
A young talented family from Llanuwchllyn, Bala are offering their creative guidance to nearly 40 Meirionnydd youngsters participating in this year’s musical show, ‘Dyma Fi’ staged during Meirionnydd Urdd Eisteddfod 2014.
Siblings Branwen Haf, Meilir Rhys and Osian Huw Williams have been raised amidst a strong musical and theatrical background, as father, Derec Williams is one of the co-founders of Cwmni Theatr Maldwyn. All three recall sitting on stage as youngsters whilst rehearsals took place.
“We are absolutely delighted to be working with this year’s talented group of youngsters at Meirionnydd,” explains Branwen Haf, who’s also employed by the Urdd as its National Learner Facilitator.
The brand new show ‘Dyma Fi’ will be performed at three evening performances at Theatr Harlech on Saturday, 24 May; Monday 26 May and Wednesday 28 May. Performances begin at 8:00pm.
The cast for this original musical drama come from all corners of Meirionnydd, and have been working hard since January in weekly rehearsals at Dolgellau. Travelling from Tywyn, Harlech, Dolgellau, Blaenau and Bala, a strong sense of support and friendship has built during the past few months.
“We’ve tried to put together a show that is modern but with everlasting themes” explains Branwen. “We’ve used a guitar as the main instrument, giving the musical show a rocky feel. There are warm characters within the show, and I hope at the end of the performance people will leave having witnessed young people staging a performance they’ve thoroughly enjoyed.”
Branwen, a keen singer herself and member of Welsh bands Siddi and Cowbois Rhos Botwnnog was tasked with creating the lyrics. Brother, Meilir Rhys, an actor now living in Cardiff, wrote the script with Osian, the youngest sibling composing the music. He’s currently studying music at Bangor University.
Another crucial member of the team is Colin Diamond from Dawns i Bawb, bought in to choreograph elements of the show.
“We all work together during rehearsals, and dad, has obviously been instrumental behind the scenes offering his guidance along the way. There are also a number of brilliant assistance and creative support who have been with us every step of the way, Gwenan Mair from Blaenau being one of them. We are all hugely honoured to be working with one another and feel privileged to be a part of this year’s Youth Show especially as the Urdd Eisteddfod is here on our home turf.
The show follows the story of two very different characters forced to spend a week together in school. Their worlds are turned upside down. They are forced to open their minds and face some untold truths.
Year 11 pupils, Glain Rhys from Ysgol Y Berwyn, Y Bala plays lead character Mari, with Steffan Chambers from Ysgol Ardudwy, Harlech playing Gethin.
“We hope that the lead characters, as well as the rest of the cast remember this experience for years to come. It will have a lasting impression on our minds, as they have been an absolute joy to work with.
“The young people have been given an insight into how musical shows are put together in a professional manner. Each cast member has been given detailed tutoring and has been coaxed out of their comfort zone to achieve the very best of their ability. The nerves will, no doubt, kick in as the performance evenings approach, not only for the youngsters but for us as a creative team too! The proof will soon be in the pudding, as the audience arrives for the opening night at Theatr Harlech.”
For show tickets as well as all other Eisteddfod events day and night, visit www.urdd.org/en/eisteddfod/tickets or call the ticket hotline, 0845 257 1639.
