Nawr Yr Awr \ Now The Hero is an immersive theatrical experience performed over 5 nights that will take audiences on an extraordinary journey through three intertwining narratives of war; from Celtic history, the First World War, and today’s conflicts. Drawing on an epic poem, a rejected series of paintings, and an intimate portrait of a Swansea soldier serving today. Marc Rees’ Nawr Yr Awr \ Now The Hero brings the stories of war to life but counterpoints the tragic telling with hope.
Nawr Yr Arwr/Now The Hero is a multi-platform, site-specific project devised in response to a personal invitation to the Swansea born interdisciplinary artist Marc Rees by 14-18 NOW to create a large scale Welsh cultural commemoration of WW1 which will take place in and around the Brangwyn Hall, Swansea during Harvest, September 2018.
At the heart of each performance is a Requiem with a libretto by BAFTA-winning writer Owen Sheers and sung by Polyphony, Stephen Layton’s world-famous choir. The music is composed by Owen Morgan Roberts, realised from an original collaboration with the late, Oscar-nominated Jóhann Jóhannsson.
Nawr Yr Arwr / Now The Hero is a promenade, multi-sensory experience, where the audience will be guided over two and half hours from the stunning open expanse of Swansea beach to the intimate surroundings of The Brangwyn Hall.
This event is a major part of the final year’s programme for 14-18 NOW, the UK’s arts commission for the First World War centenary – and is also the headline piece for the 2018Swansea International Festival. Nawr Yr Arwr / Now The Hero also forms part of Visit Wales’ Year of the Sea campaign.
Marc Rees said “Now the Hero/Nawr Yr Arwr reflects Swansea’s rich history and sheds light on a somewhat neglected series of paintings with a tragic message in what promises to be a truly unique immersive experience. I can think of no better way to mark the final year of 14-18 NOW than to create a defining Welsh production, in poignant commemoration that puts Swansea on the map.”
Now For More: To coincide with the main performance dates there is a mini festival, an extended ‘art weekender’ – Now For More involving all of the city’s cultural institutions and organisations, large and small. In their own way, each will respond to the main themes – The British Empire Panels and the legacy of WW1, and the impact of war and conflict on human relationships. Now For More will feature one-off special events, exhibitions, artist talks, family activities and trails, public artworks, workshops and performances by outstanding contemporary artists in multiple locations across Swansea. www.nowthehero.wales/now-for-more
NOW THE HERO / NAWR YR ARWR
Tuesday 25 – Saturday 29 September 2018, 6.30pm – 9.00pm
Tickets £15/£12 available from www.nowthehero.wales and The Swansea Grand Theatre 01792 475715 www.nowthehero.wales / www.nawryarwr.cymru
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