THE DYLAN THOMAS SEASON bbc.co.uk/dylanthomas All information in this brochure is correct at the time of going to press, however BBC Cymru Wales reserves the right to make content and/or schedule changes where necessary and without prior notice. If changes are necessary, we apologise for any inconvenience caused. BBC Cymru Wales Broadcasting House Llandaff Cardiff CF5 2YQ 04 — 05 INTRODUCTION 08 — 09 FEATURE 12 — 17 TELEVISION 20 — 21 RADIO 22 — 23 MUSIC & ONLINE 26 — 27 COLLABORATIONS INTRODUCTION WRITER POET BROADCASTER 4 INTRODUCTION DYLAN THOMAS THE SEASON ver just two short and he used the compelling man himself. Was there really decades, Dylan Thomas intimacy of the medium to any other way? But we have also Oestablished a reputation conjure extraordinary images honoured Dylan’s reputation as a poet and storywriter of and characters that seduced as an innovator by harnessing remarkable power and reach. millions of listeners. the latest technologies and digital That reputation has only grown services to ensure that audiences in the years since his death. The BBC has brought together everywhere can experience his As we mark the centenary of his some of the best programme work as surely and as powerfully birth, Dylan now stands not just makers in Wales and the UK as those who sat entranced and as one of Wales’ most important to present a kaleidoscope of bewildered by the wireless more cultural figures, but as a writer of programming which will place than 50 years ago. international stature and renown. the poet and the stories of his life and work before a new This season of programming For BBC Cymru Wales this is generation. In documentary, simply would not be possible an anniversary with a special in drama, in poetry and in without the support of so many resonance. Dylan was not prose, this will be a memorable partners, including an impressive only a writer and poet, but also array of contemporary artists celebration and exploration of a remarkable broadcaster. and writers. As well as looking one man’s rich contribution to Fostered and championed by back at an extraordinary life, our own national life and culture, the BBC, he became a dazzling it seems fitting that we also take and to the world beyond. radio poet. His broadcasts and this opportunity to shine a light recordings took his voice and his We have, of course, built our on a new generation of literary ideas far beyond his homeland, season around the words of the and artistic talent. On the following pages you will find a summary of our season, and hear from some of those who have been most closely involved in its scope and development. I hope you can take time to take a look at what’s coming up, and enjoy it with us on the BBC. Rhodri Talfan Davies Director, BBC Cymru Wales 5 These specially commissioned illustrations will be brought to life as part of BBC Cymru Wales’ Dylan Thomas season. Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means, Time held me green and dying Though I sang in my chains like the sea. Oh as I was young and easy in the mercy of his means, Time held me green and dying FERN HILL Though I sang in my chains like the sea. FEATURE MY GRANDFATHER AND ME DYLAN AND THE BBC y grandfather’s success dynamic performing force’, in order to ensure that he had on the radio was and ‘a dangerous rival for other correctly named all the shops Ma result of his wit actors’. My mum, Aeronwy and buildings that had been and charm, sense of fun, empathy Thomas, had strong memories ruined. On a different level, and, above all, his hard work. of her father. Recalling their hearing my grandfather’s beautiful These attributes brought my weekly reading sessions, acting voice describing a mischievous grandfather respect from many out the stories, she described boy taunting cats and the exploits of his colleagues. Contrary to her father, while reading Hansel of his eccentric aunts and uncles popular belief, Ralph Maud, in and Gretel, adopting ‘a falsetto in his classic A Child’s Christmas his introduction to his book voice’ making ‘quite a convincing in Wales, never fails to make The Broadcasts, a collection of old lady’. As well as dramatic me laugh. His friend Bert Trick broadcasts for the BBC, stresses parts, Louis MacNeice discovered described listening to him saying that Dylan was ‘a professional that, when necessary, Dylan was ‘The glorious voice boomed radio broadcaster, whose services capable of ‘underplaying’ a role. out of the loudspeaker’, and as a performer and scriptwriter the ‘living room filled with the were sought and appreciated’. This was never more evident than presence of Dylan’. In terms of his other writing, he when my grandfather read his was a perfectionist. He worked own broadcasts, letting the words These are just a few examples slowly, experimented with a speak for themselves. The one that from the one hundred and forty Return single phrase; writing sentences really stands out for me is five separate engagements that Journey a hundred different ways before , which shows how he was my grandfather had with the BBC. he was content. I’m heartened to profoundly moved during the These included writing scripts, discover that this same work ethic Second World War – especially reading poetry and short stories, was clearly shown during his time after seeing the impact of a three- as well as acting. He also became at the BBC. night-blitz on his hometown of a regular on many panel Swansea. The script sees Dylan discussions, making him a well- The BBC archive undoubtedly describing the devastation caused, known radio personality. I hope reveals to us that, as well as being while also seeking out his younger both the lighter, and the more a great writer, my grandfather was self amongst the destruction. serious, sides of my grandfather’s an excellent actor. Richard Burton In his usual style, my grandfather work for the BBC can be described Dylan as an ‘explosive researched the piece meticulously, reflected in this season. Hannah Ellis Granddaughter of Dylan Thomas 8 FEATURE EXPLOSIVE DYNAMIC PERFORMING FORCE 9 DO NOT GO GENTLE INTO THAT GOOD NIGHT Do not go gentle into that good night, Old age should burn and rave at close of day; Rage, rage against the dying of the light. TELEVISION UNDER MILK WOOD “It feels fitting to mark the 100th anniversary of Dylan’s birth with this unique re-imagining of Under Milk Wood: a collaboration with the ever-inventive and brilliant National Theatre Wales and voiced by some of the best of Wales’ acting elite. It is a true celebration of great Welsh talent.” Faith Penhale Head of Drama, BBC Cymru Wales BBC ONE WALES — MAY A contemporary presentation As the weekend draws he idea that I write of Dylan Thomas’ famous to a close, BBC Cymru a piece, a play, ‘play for voices’ in collaboration Wales will broadcast a an impression for with National Theatre Wales, T contemporary, multi-layered voices, an entertainment featuring a host of Welsh stars. version of Under Milk Wood out of the town I live in, incorporating elements of Taking place from the 3rd - 5th and to write it simply and the NTW live event and May, the performance consists warmly and comically, Raw pre-recorded readings by of an installation event with lots of movement Material; Llareggub Revisited - a star-studded cast in New and varieties of moods, a re-imagining of the world York, Los Angeles, London, of Under Milk Wood where the Cardiff and Laugharne to so that, at many levels, audience is taken through the celebrate the centenary of through sight and speech, historic town where Dylan lived Dylan Thomas’ birth as well description and dialogue, until his death and which inspired as the 60th anniversary of evocation and parody, you the first BBC broadcast of his the fictional town of Llareggub, come to know the town as described in his famous play. famous ‘play for voices’. an inhabitant of it. Dylan Thomas Bethan Jones, Executive Producer, BBC Cymru Wales 1951 12 TELEVISION DYLAN’S WALKS: WEATHERMAN WALKING DYLAN AND HIS SENSE OF PLACE Immerse yourself in places where Dylan lived and worked. Sea views, picture postcard towns and landscapes that feed the imagination. BBC ONE WALES — APRIL As part of the Weatherman at the stunning views over are passionate about Dylan - Walking series of programmes, the estuary but I also went to Dylan’s granddaughter, I have walked in the same lesser-known places to find Hannah Ellis, and Jeff Towns, footsteps as Dylan Thomas. out about their connections a Dylan Thomas encyclopedia, To be honest, I didn’t realise he with Dylan. I went to New Quay known as the ‘Dylan Thomas wrote so many poems. I knew where I walked up through the guy’. They had so much passion about his work Under Milk Wood town and down to the wild beach and enthusiasm for Dylan, it was from my school days but hadn’t below all the way to Llanina Point. very contagious. It’s given me really revisited his poems since. I even found out more about a renewed enthusiasm for his Swansea - Dylan’s ‘ugly, lovely work. He was, and still is, one I have realised that there is so town’ - which left its stamp of our nation’s greatest poets. much more to Dylan Thomas on him. than I had thought and I have I’ve really enjoyed roaming been able to immerse myself Walking in Dylan’s footsteps around Dylan’s Wales and the in places where Dylan lived has really shown me a very places that left their mark not and worked.