S4C to Broadcast 'Branwen: Dadeni' During Christmas Festival
The Welsh channel S4C is set to broadcast the widely acclaimed theatrical show 'Branwen: Dadeni', a modern reinterpretation of an ancient Welsh myth, this Christmas. The move is anticipated to bring the epic tale to a broader audience following its successful live tour.
Morgan Riley
- 2023-12-31
- Updated 04:20 AM ET
(NewsNibs) - 'Branwen: Dadeni' brings to life the poignant story of Branwen from the Mabinogi, a collection of medieval Welsh mythological tales. The show, which has captivated audiences throughout Wales during its November tour, saw sold-out performances in Bangor and Aberystwyth, with additional seats made available in Cardiff due to overwhelming demand. The show’s script and music were the collective effort of Hanna Jarman, Elgan Rhys, and Seiriol Davies, with direction from Gethin Evans of Frân Wen, a theatric company known for its innovative storytelling.
Star-Studded Cast and Crew
The show features a robust ensemble cast, including Mared Williams in the titular role and Gillian Elisa as Ena, an advisor to the King of Ireland. The diverse cast also includes Rithvik Andugula, Caitlin Drake, Lisa Angharad, and others, bringing depth to the adaptation with their performances. Elen Rhys, the Entertainment Commissioner for S4C, expressed pride in the show's success and the opportunity to share this significant piece of Welsh cultural heritage on television.
The production's journey to the small screen is the result of a collaboration between Afanti Media, the Wales Millennium Centre, and theatre company Frân Wen. Emyr Afan of Afanti Media stressed the high production values and the universal appeal of the story, which they hope will be recognized both nationally and internationally. Artistic leaders, including Graeme Farrow from Millennium Centre and Gethin Evans, have also emphasized the privilege of working together to bring this bold production to a wider audience and to highlight the exceptional talent involved.
The broadcast of 'Branwen: Dadeni' on S4C serves as a testament to the vitality of Welsh culture and the significance of bringing arts from the stage to the screen. This televised production not only aims to delight audiences across Wales during the festive season but also underlines the ambition to gain recognition for Welsh storytelling on a global scale.
