2 September – December 2009

Dylan Thomas Centre Programme September – December 2009As usual, the highlight of our final part of the year is the DylanThomas Festival (26 October – 9 November) which this yearwill be the twelfth annual festival.

The full programme will be out by late September, but either sideof the festival we have our usual mix of regular and one-offevents, including the On the Edge play-reading series, ScienceCafé, Poets in the Bookshop and Artlunches among the regulars. One-offsinclude launches and readings from Parthian Books and Roundyhouse and SeventhQuarry magazines. Don’t forget if you’re not on our e mail reminder list contactjo.furber@swansea.gov.uk, and keep up to date with any extra events or programmechanges by regularly consulting our website – www.dylanthomas.com

Wednesday 9 September 7.30pm

On the Edge - presented by Michael KelliganContinuing our series of script-in-hand performances bycontemporary playwrights from Wales with Dandelion by PatrickJones. These five maybe living in a Hospice but there’s still plenty oflife, love and determination inside them. Featuring Michael Kelliganas Earnest. Directed by Allan Cook.

Tickets: £3.00

Friday 11 September 1pm

Art for LunchOur monthly slot for cultural bargain hunters! Holy Wells: Wales …on the road is a new lecture/performance from Phil Cope, whoseHoly Wells: Wales, a photographic journey, was published by Serenlast year, and includes an introduction by Jan Morris and poems by

many Welsh poets including R.S.Thomas,Rowan Williams and Gillian Clarke. Thestunning pictures were exhibited at theDylan Thomas Centre in July. This performance includesstories, myths and poems, accompanied by the hauntingsounds of Bronwen Thomas on harp and cello.

Tickets: £5.00 for a 45 minute talk, includes soup and a sandwich

Saturday 12/Sunday 13 September 10.00 - 4.00pm

Writing Poetry for Page & StageWith Peter Read & Rona Campbell – see Courses, Page 7 for full details.

Patrick Jones

Bronwen Thomas

3Literature Programme

Friday 18 September 7pm

10 Years of Roundyhouse The Roundyhouse magazine autumnissue celebrates women’s poetry.Readings from Ivy Alvarez, CatherineFisher, Frances Presley and many morefantastic contributors. Join theRoundyhouse crew, Alexandra Trowbridge-Matthews, Phil Carradice, Sally Roberts-Jones,and Brian Smith, for the first of our 10th birthday celebrations! Including Open Mic.

Tickets: Free Entry

Wednesday 23 September 7.30pm

Playhouse TheatreFour half-hour plays by local writers. Featuring Slammed by Alex James,  Around theBlock by  Caroline James, The Vampyres by Margaret Hembrow and MurderingShakespeare (or What You Kill) by Kevin Johnson.Tickets: Full Price - £4.00; Concessions - £3.00

Thursday 24 September 7.30pm

Poets in the Bookshop – Peter DaleThis month’s guest reader is Peter Dale, a poet, publisher andtranslator of great experience. Peter moved to Cardiff in 2008, andrecently published Local Habitation (Anvil Press), his first collectionsince 2002. Plus usual open mic.

Tickets: Full Price - £4.00; Concessions - £2.80; Swansea PTL - £1.40

Saturday 26 September 10am – 4pm

Along the ShorelineA Poetry Workshop with Angela Morton See Courses, Page 7 for full details.

Wednesday 30 September 7.30pm

Science Café ~ Dr. Dan Forman – Badgers and TB.Tickets: Free entry

Thursday 1 October 7pm

Book Launch – Vicar Joe’s Religious Joke Book by Kevin John and Peter ReadFollowing the success of Peter’s plays Toshack or Me and To Hull andBack at Swansea’s Grand Theatre, Peter, Kev and Joe have combined tobring us this compendium of religious jokes and witty observations! Andlook out for Joe’s return to the Grand in November/December in VicarJoe’s No, No Nativity!Tickets: Free Entry and Wine in association with Lolfa Press

Catherine FisherFrances PresleyIvy Alvarez

Peter Dale

Wednesday 7th October 7pm

Parthian Launch – Landeg White and Jeni WilliamsLandeg White launches his eighth poetry collection,Singing Bass, while Swansea’s Jeni Williams launches herfirst - Being the Famous Ones.Tickets: Free entry & wine in association with Parthian Books

Friday 9 October 1pm

Art for LunchOur monthly slot for cultural bargain hunters! Today Swanseaphotographer Bernard Mitchell, well known for his images ofwriters and artists, presents Photographing People, anillustrated talk on his adventures capturing images of a widerange of people from celebrities to poets to painters to theman and woman in the street!

Tickets: £5.00 for a 45 minute talk, includes soup and a sandwich

Friday 9 October 7pm

Eric Maddern - What the Bees Know “Storyteller and musician Eric, a bee-keeper himself, takes a provocativelook at both the malady that afflicts us and the remedy that might heal.Blending his own dynamic songs, timeless wisdom tales, poetry,prophecy and chat with bees, Eric light-heartedly gets to the heart of thematter. He reveals that what the bees know is what we must all learn ifwe are to ‘take the greatest stride of soul we ever took’ and rise to thechallenge of our epoch-changing times. The show is moving, inspiring, sometimes funny,often thought-provoking”. In association with Swansea Environment Centre.

Tickets: Full price £6.00; £4.00 Concessions

Thursday 15 October 7pm

Booklaunch – Gower – Nigel Jenkins and David Pearl “Designated Britain’s first ‘Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty’ over50 years ago, the Gower Peninsula has long held a special place inthe hearts of many. Gower is a sumptuous celebration of this iconicstretch of coastline. Nigel Jenkins explores the deep history of hisnative area through a series of short essays, combining humorouspieces with literary jewels that bring about an engaging, personaland accessible volume. Filled with breathtaking images that catch

Gower from unexpected angles, David Pearl’s pictures are filled with texture, depth andthe intelligence of the photographer’s eye. Like Nigel’s prose, they speak to the readerfamiliarly and intimately, evoking the true nature of Gower in all its glory”.

Tickets: Free entry & wine in association with Gomer Press

4 September – December 2009

Eric Maddern

Max Boyce

5Literature Programme

Friday 16 October 7pm

The Seventh Quarry

Swansea poetry magazine edited by Swansea poetPeter Thabit Jones presents  An Evening of PoetryFrom America featuring Sultan Catto and AlekseyDayen. Plus songs from Terry Clarke, introduced byPeter Thabit Jones. A collaboration between The Seventh Quarry and Cross-CulturalCommunications, New York.Tickets: Free entry

Wednesday 21 October 7.30pm

Science Café ~ Dr.John Emsley, Cambridge University – Better Looking, BetterLiving, Better Loving – Sponsored by Royal Society of ChemistryTickets: Free entry

Thursday 22 October 7.30pm

Poets in the Bookshop – Paul HenryThis month’s guest poet is Newport’s Paul Henry, who has published fivecollections, the latest, Ingrid’s Husband, from Seren. Plus usual open mic.

Tickets: Full Price - £4.00; Concessions - £2.80; Swansea PTL - £1.40

26 October – 9 November

Twelfth Annual Dylan Thomas FestivalFor full details see separate Festival Brochure or visit www.dylanthomas.com

Friday 13 November 1pm

Art for LunchOur monthly slot for cultural bargain hunters! This time Swanseapoet, translator and lecturer Malcolm Parr gives an illustrated talkon the brilliant, enigmatic, eccentric artist Stanley Spencer.

Tickets: £5.00 for a 45 minute talk, includes soup and a sandwich

Wednesday 18 November 7.30pm

On the Edge - presented by Michael Kelligan Continuing our series of script-in-hand performances bycontemporary playwrights from Wales with Straight Talk – A new playby Dan Anthony.A cop and his snout meet on a park bench. The cop is enticed into amagical world where fact and fiction blur and his dream (to become agood cop) becomes true. Directed by Simon West.

Tickets: £3.00

Aleksey DayenSultan Catto

Paul Henry

MalcolmParr

Simon West

6 September – December 2009

Wednesday 25 November 7.30pm

Science Café ~ TBCTickets: FREE ENTRY

Thursday 26 November 7.30pm

Poets in the Bookshop – Anna LewisThis month’s guest poet is Anna Lewis. Anna has published poems inmany magazines including Poetry Wales and New Welsh Review, andwon numerous awards and bursaries. Her first collection will bepublished soon.

Tickets: Full Price - £4.00; Concessions - £2.80; Swansea PTL - £1.40

Friday 27 November 7.30pm

The Shoe Shine by Richard LloydA new one-act drama, written and produced by Swansea’s Richard Lloyd, who stars in acast of three with Julie-Anne Grey and Rob Stradline. This stimulating piece features arecently married couple who have a beneficial encounter with a wise observer of theworld. Directed by Steve Grey. Tickets: £3.00

Thursday 3 December 7pm

Medical Foundation EventAnnual arts event to raise awareness of this important charity. For more detailscontact: jack.fell@yahoo.co.uk or phone: 01792 701588

Friday 4 December 7pm

Dylan Thomas in Wales - Visiting American Students Project

Dylan Thomas in Wales is a 12-week literary seminaroffered by Knox College (Illinois, America) in co-operation with the Carl Sandburg Birthplace(America),The Seventh Quarry Swansea PoetryMagazine (Wales), Cross-Cultural Communications(New York) and Wales International Center (NewYork). In the U.S., students will study the life andliterary works of Dylan Thomas; in Wales, they willstudy the impact of Wales’ natural history and cultural dynamics on Thomas’ work. Tolaunch this new and exciting project American poet Robin Metz and Swansea poet PeterThabit Jones will give readings of their poetry and talk about the Project. Plus songsabout Dylan Thomas by Swansea singer-songwriter Terry Clarke.

Tickets: Free entry

Anna Lewis

Robin Metz Peter Thabit Jones

7Literature Programme

Wednesday 9 December 7.30pm

On the Edge - presented by Michael Kelligan Continuing our series of script-in-hand performances by contemporaryplaywrights from Wales with A Marriage of Convenience by Ian Rowlands.Following on from Michael Kelligan’s productions of Blue Heron in theWomb and Blink, Director Gareth Potter revisits this award winning play.in which he originally played the part of Rowlands’ questing young man.

Tickets: £3.00

Friday 11 December 1pm

Art for LunchOur monthly slot for cultural bargain hunters! Following his highlysuccessful talk in July, actor and director, Fluellen Theatre Company’sPeter Richards presents Directing Shakespeare – Act Two!

Tickets: £5.00 for a 45 minute talk, includes soup and a sandwich

Thursday 17 December 7.30pm

Poets in the Bookshop – John BarnieThis month’s guest poet is Aberystwyth’s John Barnie, poet, prose-writer, critic and former editor of Planet magazine. John’s lastcollection, Trouble in Heaven, was long-listed for Welsh Book of theYear 2008.

Tickets: Full Price - £4.00; Concessions - £2.80; Swansea PTL - £1.40

COURSES at the Dylan Thomas CentreSaturday/Sunday 12 & 13 September 10 - 4pm

Writing Poetry for Page & Stage with Peter Read and Rona CampbellPeter has won the John Tripp Award for Spoken Poetry, has had seven plays performedprofessionally and published two collections of poetry. Arvon prize-winning poet Rona’swork has been praised by Ted Hughes and performed by Placido Domingo. She is aprofessional opera singer and runs classes on the use of the voice.

Tickets: £60.00 – To book or for more details contact Peter on 07931 614180

Saturday 26 September 10am – 4pm

Along the Shoreline - A Poetry Workshop with Angela MortonA day of inspiration, contemplation and writing which aims to help you discover andrespond to your own ‘shorelines’ and to write poetically about what’s happening at themargins of your experience. Angela Morton has published many poems, including onefull collection, and has led many workshops in a wide range of settings. This workshopwelcomes new and experienced writers. Please book in advance as places limited to 12.

Tickets: £10.00

Gareth Potter

JohnBarnie

PeterRichards

8 September – December 2009

10 & 17 October & 14 & 28 November 10 - 4pm

Singing  Performers’  Masterclass – Rona CampbellSingers will work with Ms. Campbell in a group, and in the afternoon singers canperform in front of an audience, in an informal Masterclass environment. Bring yourfriends and music tutors. Your performance, interpretation, posture and technique iswhat Ms. Campbell is going to work on. To get the best out of this class, please befamiliar with your words and music, whatever your style of singing, popular, classical,song, or cabaret.  Preparing for an audition, music degree, A Level or GCSEexamination, or just singing for the pleasure of it, you are all welcome. Singers pleaseprepare a selection of your songs to last a maximum of fifteen minutes. The style ofmusic should be chosen to suit your voice. Please send two photocopies to MsCampbell, at least two weeks prior to your class. 

Rona Campbell was principal soprano with The Metropolitana Opera De Caracas,Venezuela and studied with Alfredo Hollander of Vienna State Opera, and Gerald Daviesin Wales. Her roles included Rosalinda in Der Fledermaus, Susanna in Figaro, Spinsterin Lord Byron’s Love Letters, the Bartered Bride, Gianna Schicchi, Hansel and Gretel.She specialises in retraining the damaged singing voice, and recently retired as head ofVocal Studies for Wrexham Music Services. She is experienced in English Songand oratorio, Bach, Mozart, Britten, Vaughan Williams and musicals. Tickets: £30.00 per day. For more details – ronacampbell@talktalk.net or phone: 01978 312790/07758 16660

Cover to Cover Bookshop, Mumbles. 10th Birthday Celebration Events:Wednesday 12th August, 12.30pm at Cover to Cover

Griff Rhys Jones will be signing copies of RiversHis new book to accompany his BBC TV series River Journeys.

Tickets: Free entry. If you’re unable to attend but would like asigned copy, please contact Cover to Cover

Friday 11th September, 7.30pm at Surfside Café, Caswell

Joe DunthorneJoe will be reading from his hilarious debut novel Submarine.Set in Swansea, it’s been translated into six languages and issoon to be a film starring Michael Sheen with Ben Stiller asexecutive producer. Plus… music by local guitarist SimonParton.

Tickets: £2 available from Cover to Cover. Redeemable againstpurchase of the book

Griff Rhys Jones

Joe Dunthorne

9Literature Programme

Sunday 20th September, 2.00–4.00pm at Ostreme Centre

Julia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler Book SigningJulia Donaldson and illustrator Axel Scheffler – top-selling children’s picture book duo– will be signing copies of their new book Tabby McTat on their only visit to Wales thisyear. Children might like to bring along their own soft toy cats to make Tabby feel athome. Plus… a special appearance by the Gruffalo who celebrates his tenth birthday too.

Tickets: Free entry. To reserve a copy of the book at the special price of £8.99, pleasecontact Cover to Cover. Unreserved books will be available on the day for the normalprice of £10.99

For more details contact: Cover to Cover, 58 Newton Road Mumbles Swansea SA3 4BQ 01792 366363 www.cover-to-cover.co.uk books@cover-to-cover.co.uk

Other Events, Courses, Workshops etc...There is a full season of Monday evening events through September at the DylanThomas Boathouse in Laugharne to celebrate 60 years since Dylan & Caitlin Thomasmoved into the Boathouse. For full details contact 01994 232726 or boathouse@carmarthenshire.gov.uk or see www.dylanthomasboathouse.com

Cardigan Events – Word Up! At the Castle Café in Cardigan takes place every firstThursday, with guest poet & open mic. Contact simone@simonemb.com 01559 370517. Also workshops and courses at The Ceridwen Centre – see www.ceridwencentre.co.uk

Corridor Exhibitions at the Dylan Thomas Centre7 – 20 September

Bear Hunt & Jack in a Box Swansea Libraries present a Bookstart and FlyingStart Exhibition – photographic work by pupilsfrom Waun Wen and Townhill schools from twodifferent projects.

21 September – 4 October

All the Colours of LightAn exhibition of children’s work inspired by artist Mary Lloyd Jones,to accompany the launch of a new book and teacher’s pack on theartist’s work by Carolyn Davies and Lynne Bebb.

For more October and November exhibitions please see DylanThomas Festival Brochure for further Information.

10 September – December 2009

Exhibitions continued...5 – 18 October

Journeys An exhibition featuring the work offour Carmarthenshire primaryschools working with artist KeithBayliss and poet Peter Read. Pupilsproduced poetry, prose, paintings,prints and sculpture, exploringthemes inspired by artists Tony Gobleand William Brown.

1 December – 17 January 2010

Cherry Pickles Paintings of the Dominican Republic.

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Whilst all effort is made to ensure that the detailsof this programme are accurate, the City and County of Swansea reserve the rightto alter any part of the programme without notice.

The Dylan Thomas CentreSomerset Place, Swansea SA1 1RR

01792 463980

www.dylanthomas.com

www.dylan-thomas-books.com

dylanthomas.lit@swansea.gov.uk

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Cover Image: Cherry Pickles. Malcolm Parr photo by Bernard Mitchell