3 minute read
on the poetry of war and peace in Wales
As an art form accessible to all, poetry has been instrumental in documenting and exploring the devastating effects of wars over the ages. Poetry also has the power to bring people together, to bridge generations and cultures, to create stronger connections with each other and to make sense of the world around us. This was all true of ‘Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes’, a day of reflection on war and peace in Wales held at the Senedd on 19 February 2019, organised by Literature Wales and sponsored by the Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM, First Minister of Wales.
Rt Hon Mark Drakeford AM’s vision was to hold a day open to all and to engage a contemporary audience with poetry on the theme of war and peace and with the writers of the First World War. This was combined with Literature Wales’ belief that literature empowers, enhances and enriches lives, to create a day-long programme of reflection. There were performances, readings, commissioned lectures and presentations which reflected the diversity of Welsh society with writers from near and far and of all ages and backgrounds sharing the stage. The project commissioned original creative work commemorating the First World War which would become part of the legacy of Cymru’n Cofio Wales Remembers 1914-1918. One of the highlights of the day was hearing these poems being recited by authors Gillian Clarke, Alan Llwyd, Eric Ngalle Charles, Nerys Williams and the National Poet of Wales, Ifor ap Glyn. Three lectures were commissioned, with interesting and enlightening discussions by Phil Carradice, Nerys Williams and Aled Eirug. Members of the poetic collective Cywion Cranogwen were commissioned to create an original, multimedia performance, OYsbaid i Ysbaid. The poets Beth Celyn, Manon Awst and Sara Borda Green combined visual art, music and poetry to explore different perspectives in times of war and peace from the point of view of Welsh women, including the mothers and wives left behind and the women who campaigned for peace and equality.
In the weeks leading up to the day, two outreach projects were undertaken with young people – one with Fitzalan High School, Cardiff with author Jafar Iqbal and in partnership with the Edward Thomas collection at Cardiff University Archives, the other with pupils from Ysgol Calon Cymru, Builth Wells with the poets Rufus Mufasa and Elan Grug Muse. These projects enabled young people to learn about war poetry before creating and presenting their own original work inspired by the literature of the First World War. Pupils from both schools gave thoughtful and moving performances during Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes. The audience reflected on the misery of contemporary wars with the moving performance of Kurdish poet and singer Ali Sizer, and the talk by Luca Paci from PEN Cymru which promotes literature and protects freedom of expression. Rt Hon Mark Drakeford MS led Assembly Members Rhun ap Iorwerth, Suzy Davies, Dafydd Elis-Thomas, Carwyn Jones, Adam Price and Kirsty Williams in readings of their own favourite poems on the theme of war and peace. Many politicians and a wider audience came together that evening to watch Y Gadair Wag / The Empty Chair poetry show by Ifor ap Glyn which looked at the history and work of Hedd Wyn. The First Minister said: ‘The day was a golden opportunity to reflect on the rich poetry and literature of Wales, the effects of war and the importance of peace. It was a privilege to take part in such a thoughtful and effective event.’ The commissioned lectures and poems can be read on the Literature Wales website as well as photographs from the day. Find out more: www.literaturewales.org
Left: Ysgol Calon Cymru pupils performing pupils performing at Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes event © Sioned Birchall and Literature Wales Above: Poets Rufus Mufasa and Elan Grug Muse at Holy Glimmers of Goodbyes event © Sioned Birchall and Literature Wales
