Discussing Literature at Bangor University’s Eisteddfod stand
Two volumes are to be launched at Bangor University’s stand on the Eisteddfod field on Monday 1 August at 12.00.
The first is a volume of poetry, Rhwng Gwibdaith a Coldplay by Professor Gerwyn Wiliams and the second is Ysgrifau Beirniadol XXX, the latest volume in a long series of literary criticism, and edited by him.
Rhwng Gwibdaith a Coldplay (published by Gwasg y Bwthyn) is Gerwyn Wiliams’ latest book of poetry and is described as a series of impressions from Parc Menai to Cardiff Bay, postcards from Ground Zero and Grafton Street, and glimpses from Belsen and Pont Aven, with a musical soundtrack from Leonard Cohen, Gwibdaith Hen Frân and Coldplay playing in the background. Gerwyn Wiliams won the Crown at the National Eisteddfod in 1994 and is a Professor at the School of Welsh. He will be questioned about his work by Dr Jerry Hunter of the School of Welsh and winner of the Prose Medal at last year’s Eisteddfod.
Ysgrifau Beirniadol XXX (published by Gwasg Gee), edited by Gerwyn Wiliams is the latest in the series launched by the late Professor J.E.Caerwyn Williams in 1965. The volume includes an interview between Alex Salmond MSP and Jason Walford Davies about the influence of the welsh poet R.S.Thomas on the First Minister; an interview between Guto Dafydd and the novelist and dramatist William Owen Roberts, articles by Dr Simon Brooks, Dr Robin Chapman, Prof Peredur Lynch and Dr Pwyll ap Siôn and a bibliography of the series by Hedd ap Emlyn.
Following the launch at 1.00 the University hosts the Cae’r Gors Heritage Centre Annual Lecture.
Mair Lloyd Davies, this year’s speaker, will discuss Cae’r Gors before it became the home of the now famous Welsh short story writer, Kate Roberts.
The lecture outlines the history of Ann Jones and the twists and turns of her family’s fortunes while living at Cae’r Gors between 1836 and 1895, when Kate Roberts’ parents took over the tenancy from Ann Jones’ descendants. Mair Jones is herself a descendant of Ann Jones.
“On the 2nd June 1936, Ann Jones wouldn’t have given one button for the fantastic views or for anything else- as the blinds were drawn to the bottom in her history,” said Mary Lloyd Davies.
Is there a voice?
Does the gay and lesbian community have literary voice in Welsh? If it already exists – does it deserve to be louder? Bangor University and the National Writers Centre at Tŷ Newydd, Llanystumdwy will be exploring the subject in a discussion chaired by Menna Machreth (11.00am, Tuesday 2nd August). Two of Bangor’s graduates will also be taking part in the event.
Sian Cleaver is studying for a Masters in Translation Studies at Bangor. She is currently working on translating Pembrokeshire author Sarah Waters’ book ‘Tipping the Velvet’ and will be discussing the challenges she has faced in finding and using Welsh words which have sexual connotation – in particular slang words within the context of the book. Lloyd Harris has just graduated from the School of Welsh at Bangor and will outline the material already available for and about the gay community in Welsh.
Bethan Jones Parry is Director of the Welsh Programme at Tŷ Newydd. She said “We intend to arrange a course – or even courses for the gay and lesbian community at Tŷ Newydd in the near future. This session will be invaluable as it will help us to make sure that we are on the right track.”
Ymryson y Beirdd
There’ll be a half hour of merry banter and competition at 12.30 on Friday as ‘bards’ from Bangor and Aberystwyth go head-to-head in a poetic challenge- Ymryson y Beirdd- the light hearted poetry competition is set to become an annual event to be hosted alternately by Bangor and Aberystwyth Universities.
ENDS
28.7.11
Publication date: 29 July 2011