Carmarthenshire Culture
Issue 34
May 2017
Cultural Services’ May 2017 Newsletter
Welcome to the May edition of the Cultural Services newsletter for 2017. This is the place to keep up to date with events, services
and news in the department. The newsletter highlights forthcoming and recent events in the Arts, Libraries, Museums, Archives and
Theatres in Carmarthenshire and the newsletter is a fantastic opportunity to share with all the latest that Cultural Services has to offer.
If you would like to include an item, please contact Caru James on [email protected].
Carmarthenshire Arts
Oriel Myrddin
David Jones: Angels on Washing Lines
18 March – 13 May 2017
David Jones’s playful world of colourful sculptures, installations
and linocuts are designed to delight and entertain. Inspired by
folk art, outsider art, illustration and commercial art – and
drawing on a lifetime of observation and a trove of childhood
memories – David presents the treasures of everyday life
alongside glimpses of the whimsical and the fantastical.
In Mauritius, Heise created a series of intimate lens based
studies that examine the relationship between Creole fishing
communities and a shoreline that is increasingly distressed by
the effects of industrial fishing, pollution, coral acidification and
the disappearance of mangroves, a vital ecology for coastal life.
Like Longobardi, Heise uses activist strategies; recently, she
initiated a letter writing campaign to US senators in order to
address the decline of artisanal fishing communities in her
native Vermont. Together, these artists focus our attention
upon environmental waters through the ethical responses that
emerge from art. An Ephemeral Coast is curated by Celina
Jeffery
in
Association
with
Mission
Gallery,
Swansea. Ephemeral
Coast
Programme_English
www.ephemeralcoast.com. Ephemeral Coast presents a series
of interconnections between environmental considerations, a
succession of embodied creative practices, and shifting
regional geographic identities. It frames the coast as a hybrid
geography and instigates a series of creative interventions that
consider the material and ethical sensibilities of what it means
to live and coexist with water, oceanic life, and the matter of
waste. This research was supported by the Social Sciences and
Humanities Research Council of Canada.
Photo Credit - Pam Longobardi, Pink Floatie, Lesvos
(Crime of Human Trafficking), 2016
Photo Credit - David Jones, Angels on Washing Lines
Oceans: Surface/Below 20 May – 8 July 2017
As part of the Ephemeral Coast series of exhibitions and events,
Oceans: Surface/Below presents the work of United Statesbased artists Pam Longobardi and Diana Heise. Both artists
use environmental mapping to consider the effects of plastic
contamination, industrial fishing and habitat degradation
within the world’s oceans. Pam Longobardi’s work
investigates the ubiquity of plastic contamination within the
world’s oceans. Longobardi uses beach community clean-ups
and international expeditions to identify and gather oceanic
plastics that she then presents in gallery spaces. In exhibitions,
she transforms these common place objects into installations
that query the effects global capitalism, specifically its cultures
of discard and waste, have upon aquatic life. Her installations
bring attention to the mobility of plastic toxicity and remind
viewers of their relationship with plastic and ocean life. Diana
Heise’s filmic and photographic work considers the effect of
human activity on coastal habitats and their impact upon
traditional fishing communities.
Memories from the wash house - 25 April – 13 May 2017
An exhibition in King Street shop windows created by older
people at Cartref Cynnes Extra Care Scheme responding to their
memories of laundry. Participating shops: hearing aid solutions,
magpies, Plant Dewi charity shop, flora décor, oriel king street
gallery, community crafts and greenspace gallery. With artworks
by Carmarthen Artists Network in the Community Crafts
window. Inspired by our exhibition in the gallery David Jones:
Angels on Washing Lines, which runs from 18 March to 13 May.
29 April: Opening event at 2pm with talk by penny d jones, Oriel
Myrddin Gallery
Carmarthenshire Culture
Issue 34
May 2017
Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne
International Dylan Thomas Day
Inspired by the centenary in 2014, to be a lasting legacy to Dylan
Thomas, May 14th is the third year of celebration for
International Dylan Thomas Day and where better to be than at
the Boathouse in Laugharne, where we are celebrating “The
Power of the Poet”. During the day we will be screening a
number of short films inspired by Dylan Thomas including “Do
not go Mental” followed by a Q&A with creator Sean Carlsen,
some of the propaganda films Dylan wrote during WWII and “
Love Somehow”, a tribute to Caitlin. There will also be readings
in the garden of some of his most well-known work, all of which
will honour one of Wales’ most inspirational writers.
Then and Now
Dylan Thomas lived in the Boathouse from 1949- 53, and
conditions were fairly basic, so that an inside toilet was seen as
complete luxury!! There was a telephone but no television and
no computers. For news and entertainment, they would have
listened to the radio or as it was called, wireless. How things have
changed! Now, finally, we have free Wi-Fi available at the
Boathouse! One definition came up with this: Wi-Fi is the name
of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio
waves to provide wireless high-speed Internet and network
connections .Dylan would have been impressed by the way in
which modern technology has made it possible for
communication to happen so instantly and for his work to be
accessible all over the world at the flick of a finger, so very
different to the wireless on which he broadcast!
The Gate, St Clears
Inspired by the Garden
This is a new, mixed media exhibition by seven members of the
Carmarthenshire Artists Network, Helen Gillam, Sian Swann,
David Brown, Tanya Rotherfield, Vivienne Albiston and Victoria
Malcolm.
The title of the exhibition pays tribute to the fact that the group
are collaborating with the National Botanic Garden of Wales in
their Regency Restoration Project to restore the 18th century
lakes and the surrounding landscape to their former glory.
“The Garden’s scheme will see the restoration of Sir William
Paxton’s Regency landscape, one of the finest water parks in
Britain, and will include exploration and investigation to reveal
the secrets of the estate from the time of Shakespeare and
before. When completed, the Garden will once more feature the
necklace of seven lakes, cascades, falls and weirs created more
than 200 years ago and again boast the Regency planting
scheme that formed the heart of its parkland.
17 artists from different disciplines will be creating work that
reflects aspects of the historical and modern development of
this site. Activities will include working on site, workshops and
exhibitions which will be open to the public.”
This exhibition promises to be an exciting mix of finished pieces
and work in progress in a range of mediums, all inspired by the
project.
The exhibition runs from Tuesday 25th April until Saturday 3rd
June, and is open daily.
Free tea and welshcake
During the months of May and June, have a special treat on us!
Spend £10 or more in the shop and you will receive a voucher
for a cup of tea and a welshcake in the on-site café, Annie’s.
There are a wide range of gifts and crafts available, most of them
sourced from within Wales, and some made on the premises, so
pop-in, have a browse and enjoy a cuppa!
Gift vouchers
If you really can’t decide what to buy as a present for friends or
family but you are sure that we sell things they would like, why
not get a gift voucher! These are available from £5 to £50 in value
and can be used throughout the year.
The Gate is open Monday to Friday, 9.00am-4.30pm, Saturday
9.00am-3.00pm. For any enquiries, please phone on 01267
224963.
Carmarthenshire Theatres
SNAKE STRINGS
FFWRNES 4TH MAY 7.30PM F: £14 C: £12
Favourite saxophonist, Snake Davis, joins the Solo Players string
quartet to perform a mix of funky, classical and soulful music
that is accessible to all, providing a deeply emotive and cultured
experience.
POP
FFWRNES 6TH MAY 3.30PM F: £9 C: £7 FB: £28 LAPSEAT:
£12.50 (PICTURE) A MAGICAL COMEDY SHOW
With his faithful teddy bear and magical basket Christian is set
for a lovely day at the seaside, but things don’t quite work out as
planned… Enter a magical world of mayhem with award
winning performer Christian Lee, full of audience participation,
massive bubbles, floating snowflakes and a giant balloon!
Carmarthenshire Culture
May 2017
The Vera Lynn story. Her Life in Words and Song
LYRIC 11TH MAY F: £12 C: £10
How did a simple plumber’s daughter rise from her humble
origins to capture the hearts of a nation? Taking the role of Vera
Lynn, Samantha, Britain’s leading performer of the Vera Lynn
Songbook, shares the stories and performs the timeless songs of
our ‘Forces Sweetheart’.
TEA DANCE – MINERS 10TH MAY 2.30PM. £5inc refreshments)
Join us for afternoon of tea, cake, romance, love and dancing
with Phillip and Gaynor Evans, winners of the World famous
Champions of Tomorrow Ballroom section, Blackpool. Phillip
and Gaynor are currently competing as professionals in
Ballroom and Latin for Wales. They are based at the Dance
Kingdom, Llanelli and have danced all over the world including
Russia, USA, Australia and Europe
Phoenix Theatre Group present AGATHA CHRISTIES’S THE
HOLLOW FFWRNES 11TH 12TH 13TH MAY 7.30PM F: £10
At a country weekend houseparty at ‘The Hollow’, a reunion
explodes into murder. Nearly all in attendance have a motive
and most had the opportunity. It is up to the police, and the
audience, to solve the crime. Llanelli’s Phoenix Theatre Group
has pleasure in presenting ‘The Hollow’, another enthralling
who-dun-it from the Queen of Crime.
PSYCHIC SALLY – CALL ME PSYCHIC TOUR
FFWRNES 16TH MAY 7.30PM F: £24 (PICTURE)
The nation’s favourite psychic, Sally Morgan is back and better
than ever with her brand new show ‘Call Me Psychic’.
Entertaining, sometimes heart-breaking, often controversial; the
show celebrates her 9th year on the road. Sally says “Every night
I’m on stage amazing things happen and it’s a privilege to be able
to pass on messages of love and comfort”. The show is
investigational and for the purpose of entertainment.
Cyd-Gynhyrchiad Mappa Mundi Theatr Mwldan CoProduction present THE TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDE
FFWRNES 18TH MAY 7.30PM F: £14 C: £12
The opening night of ‘The Importance of Being Earnest’ in 1895
was the zenith of Oscar Wilde’s career.
Issue 34
Less than 100 days later he found himself jailed, sentenced to
two years hard labour for homosexuality. Using words spoken
in court, feel what it was like to be in the company of a flawed
genius.
Ballet Theatre UK Present ALICE IN WONDERLAND
LYRIC 19TH MAY 7.30PM F: 18 C: £12
Basing his ballet on Lewis Carroll’s much-loved children’s
books, Ballet Theatre UK’s Artistic Director Christopher Moore
has created a captivating piece, brimming with wit, humour
and charm. With its whimsical flights of the imagination,
eclectic music and joyful dance, Alice in Wonderland is
delightful entertainment for all ages.
Theatre Fideri Fidera Present OSKAR’S AMAZING
ADVENTURE
MINERS 21ST MAY 12PM &2PM F: £8 C£6 FB: £22
Desperate for fun, Oskar leaves his snowbound little house on
top of the mountain to find someone to play with. But where are
all the animals? Why does Oskar have to wait ‘till spring to play
his favourite game? A heart-warming play for young children
and their families, full of good humour, adventure, music and
song.
Carmarthenshire Culture
May 2017
Issue 34
KANDA BONGO MAN –
LYRIC 27TH MAY 7.30PM F: £15
The man who gave the world the infectious Kwasa dance; Kanda
Bongo Man was a key figure in the introduction of African and
World music to the mainstream. His music has always been
driven by optimism and happiness, and his performances are
exciting combinations of dance music and moves rooted deep
in the Congolese tradition.
Carmarthenshire Libraries
CIRCUS THEATRE - MAX CALAF SEVE
FFWRNES F: £10 C: £8 FB: £25 G6+£8 Sch: £6 T: Free 20TH MAY
7PM 21ST MAY 2.30PM
Set to an original and stunning musical score, ‘Anyday’ is a
charming tale of the world he shares with his bird on a
trampoline. Featuring amazing acrobatic trampolining skills and
hilarious clowning, this is a brilliant and unique new show for all
of the family, with a very clever and magical ending.
Easter fun at Carmarthenshire Libraries
Following a busy two weeks in Carmarthenshire Libraries with
Easter children’s activities, preparations are already underway
for the next half term activities. Further details will follow in the
coming weeks, but don’t forget to check out our social media
pages on Facebook and Twitter to catch up with all the events
that have taken place over the last few weeks. The winners of
our Easter design an egg competition have been chosen and 10
lucky winners and received their goody bags last Saturday.
University of Wales Trinity Saint David present IGNITE
FFWRNES F: £8 C: £5 G10+: £5
This thrilling dance performance showcase celebrates the
talents of the BA Dance students at the University of Wales
Trinity Saint David. The evening will include a variety of dance
pieces choreographed by professionals, with the promise of
thought-provoking themes and concepts.
This year we are delighted to invite Gwyn Emberton Dance,
Kapow Dance at 2Faced Dance as our guest choreographers.
Hwyl Llandeilo Litfest
Llandeilo library launched the first Hwyl Llandeilo Litfest by
welcoming Dr Lyn Davies and Elinor Jones to discuss the world’s
most prolific hymn writer and Llandovery’s famous son, William
Williams Pantycelyn, in the year of his 300 th anniversary.
Carmarthenshire Culture
May 2017
Issue 34
Local Author Book Launch at Carmarthenshire Libraries
Local author Bryan Lewis seizes the opportunity to launch his
book, ‘Memories of a Llanelli boy’, on Saturday 1st April at Llanelli
library – the busiest library in Wales!
Manny Competition Winner
CONGRATULATIONS Darren Richards for winning our Manny
Competition!
Thank you to all our fantastic entrants!
Ammanford Library (01269 598360) on Tuesday 16 th May at
10.30am
Llanelli Library (01554 744327) on Tuesday 16th May at 10.3011.30am
Carmarthen Library (01267 224828) on Wednesday 17 th May at
10.30-11.30am.
Come and join us for a cup of tea or coffee – there is no charge
and all are welcome to attend!
Dementia Awareness Week – reminiscence sessions
People living with dementia, their carers, and anyone else who
would like to join in, are invited to relive the good old days at
Carmarthenshire Libraries during Dementia Awareness Week
(14-20th May 2017). Reminiscence sessions will be taking place
at Ammanford, Llanelli and Carmarthen Libraries. Ammanford
Library is hosting a session involving forgotten everyday
objects, while both Llanelli and Carmarthen Libraries will hold
presentations of old photographs with local history experts on
hand to chat about days gone by.
Library Services Manager, Mark Jewell, said ‘We are delighted to
be offering local people who are living with dementia a chance
rekindle memories of the past. Our library collections include so
many things for them to enjoy and be inspired by.’ The sessions
will take place as shown below. Please contact the library for
more information.
Brilliant Runners Up
Llanelli Library has come runner up in a national competition
encouraging readers to discover the world of fictional forensic
archaeologist Ruth Galloway created by author Elly Griffiths. Q
Quercus Books invited libraries across the UK to partake in a
three month Elly Griffiths Reader Challenge from January to
March this year. Libraries have been creating wonderful displays
and Elly has chosen Llanelli Library as the “brilliant runners up”.