Dawns y Ceirw: Casi Wyn leads a feast of storytelling, dance, and music

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and National Dance Company Wales are thrilled to collaborate on Dawns y Ceirw, touring Wales this winter. Interweaving dance, original music, and a wintry wonderland, this stage adaptation of Casi Wyn’s original children’s story is directed by both companies’ Artistic Directors, Steffan Donnelly and Matthew William Robinson.

Casi Wyn herself will star as narrator and will also perform original music which she has composed specially for the production. Casi is a familiar face to Welsh people of all ages as a singer, composer, and in her role as Wales’ Welsh-language Children’s Poet Laureate 2022-2023. Joining her onstage are two stars of the Welsh dance scene: Osian Meilir, a dancer and choreographer whose work includes the internationally renowned Qwerin, and Sarah ‘Riz’ Golden, a regular performer with National Dance Company Wales.

In this enchanting story, lonely reindeer Carw follows a shimmering light on a magical adventure through a forest.

Amidst the excitement of the tour announcement, Casi said:

"I look forward to staging and sharing this new story with the children and families of Wales. It has been a pleasure to develop the vision with Theatr Genedlaethol and National Dance Company so far."

This is the first collaboration between the two companies, in a piece that sees both Artistic Directors join forces. Since joining Theatr Gen in 2022, Steffan has nurtured the artistic development of creatives and freelancers across the country through various projects, as well as directing three shows, including Rhinoseros, which was listed in The Stage’s Top 50 Shows of 2023.  Becoming artistic director of NDCWales in 2021, Matthew has developed bold artistic collaborations, projects and programmes for the company. With a rich artistic profile, the company proudly reflects contemporary Wales on a global stage.

As the co-directors of this spellbinding show for children, Steffan and Matthew are bringing a talented creative team together. Dawns y Ceirw’s mysterious wintry world will come to life on stage through the vision of Set and Costume Designer Tomás Palmer (Dreaming and Drowning, Blue Mist). Audiences will be spellbound by Tomás’s magical designs, which will stay in viewers’ minds for some time. Both companies look forward to sharing further information on the full creative team soon.

As he looks forward to kicking off the tour, Matthew said:

 “Casi Wyn’s beautiful writing ignited this brilliant collaboration. I cannot wait to share Dawns y Ceirw with audiences across Wales.”

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru is proud to collaborate with such a talented creative team to bring the show to life from page to stage. Discussing the collaboration between the creatives and both national companies, Steffan Donnelly said:

“Collaboration is at the heart of how we make theatre and it’s a pleasure to collaborate with another national company on this production. I can’t wait to get started in the rehearsal room with Casi, Matthew and the rest of the gang where there’ll be plenty of singing, dancing, and devising. We have so many exciting ideas in store for you – a dreamlike tale, inspirational singing, and visual surprises - and I can’t wait for young audiences across the country to step into this world.”

Young audiences can also enjoy the opportunity to experience the show beyond the theatre. Sian Elin James, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Participation Coordinator, will lead a series of workshops in schools across Wales with creatives Casi Wyn and Osian Meilir. Music, movement, and creative writing will be the focus of these workshops, offering children across Wales a deeper insight into the show and its themes. If you are interested in bringing your class to a performance or organising a workshop, click here to complete the form to register your interest.

Dawns y Ceirw will open at the Dance Company’s home at Tŷ Dawns, Cardiff, on 21 November before touring Wales until 6 December. BSL interpreted performances with Cathryn McShane will take place on 27 November at Barry Memo Arts Centre and on 5 December at Galeri Caernarfon.