upfront
SETTING
SHAKESPEARE ALIGHT
FIREWORKS, aerial circus performers, live music and dramatic fire displays –
this is Shakespeare, but not as you know it.
This Autumn Penpont Estate, on the banks of the River Usk, will be completely
transformed as part of what has to be one of the most immersive performances of
Shakespeare’s The Tempest ever attempted in Wales.
Set on a remote island in the wake of a mighty storm, Shakespeare’s bewitching
tale revolves around Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, who plots to restore his
daughter Miranda to her rightful position after the pair are betrayed by Prospero’s
brother Antonio. Featuring all manner of magic, monsters, wizardry and spirits,
The Tempest is considered Shakespeare’s single most magical play, offering plenty
of scope for the Dept. of Enjoyment’s unique brand of dramatic performance.
David Goff Everleigh, who designed and built Penpont’s Millennium Green
Man Maze back in 2000, returns as the Dept. of Enjoyment’s Artistic Director.
Everleigh brings with him a clear passion for elemental spectacle. With 15 years’
experience creating fire-theatre, both internationally and as part of Wales’
popular Hay-on-Fire event, Everleigh will transform Penpont’s iconic Green Man
maze into Prospero’s enchanted island, the main stage framed by the estate’s
ancient towering trees. Penpont House itself will open the show transformed, via
projection and magical illumination, into a doomed cruise liner.
Throughout the performance, the actors will be accompanied by circus and fire
performers, as well as live music courtesy of Afro-Celtic world music performers
Baka Beyond.
Prospero’s final soliloquy, widely considered to be one of the most memorable
speeches in Shakespearean literature as it announced the playwright’s own
farewell from writing, will be complemented by a ‘Farewell Firework Finale’
complete with pyrotechnics lighting up the sky as the Green Man himself blazes
into the night. THOMAS WATSON
The Tempest On Fire, Penpont Estate, Brecon, Tues 29 Oct-Sat 2
Nov. Tickets: £20/£18. Info: www.familyartsfestival.com
A WORLD OF MUSIC
ON WALES’ HORIZON
AS if Hub and Swn festival weren’t enough to satiate the musical appetite
of South Wales hungry hoards, this year Cardiff will be hosting WOMEX, the
international body which networks, promotes and puts on some of the best in
world music. The five-day event comprises of busy trade fairs, conferences and a
bustling schedule of showcase events where dozens of acts from across the globe
will be performing to industry insiders, agents, labels and the general public.
This year Cardiff is set to be an excited buzz of activity, and a glance on the
WOMEX website will show you the incredible breadth of companies, exhibitors
and expert individuals attending, giving Cardiff a real opportunity to promote
itself as both a premiere city for hosting such events and a forward-thinking
Cultural city.
The main musical events are to be split between the Motorpoint Arena and the Wales
Millennium Centre , as well as the Glee Club which will be hosting the DJ summit.
The WMC will be hosting five Showcase stages which create an exciting 50-plusartist lineup. The performances include South American slow-dance from the
Cumbia All Stars, a group of legendary musicians from the best bands of the
Peruvian ‘Chicha’ style and Sidi Touré’s beautiful mix of traditional Malian music
with blues. There are also several artists showcasing themselves from Wales,
including Georgia Ruth Williams and Ghazalaw, who mix Welsh folk and the
ancient Arabic poetic form of ghazal. Williams will be performing on the Horizons
stage, which will be the best music put forward by regional UK arts organisations
including Cerdd Cymru: Music Wales and Arts Council England. The Horizon
artists will then be hitting the road and performing in 16 different venues across
Wales, giving you plenty of opportunities to get your world music fix. LLOYD
GRIFFITHS
The World Music Expo, Motorpoint Arena and Wales Millennium
Centre, Cardiff, Wed 23-Sun 27 Oct. Tickets: showcase nights
£17-£22, other events vary. Info: www.womex.com
BUZZ 18