Press Releases

A new presentation by Theatr Bara Caws will be performed at the National Slate Museum in early October.

‘I’r Gad Fechgyn Gwalia’ (To War Welshmen) has been commissioned by the museum to coincide with a new exhibition 'For Freedom and Empire' which can be seen on site. The exhibition looks at the response from within the quarrying communities to slate recruitment campaign of World War before conscription in 1916. The common consensus is that communities and industries across the country responded with enthusiasm to the recruitment campaign - but was this the case in the quarrying communities? Following a recruitment meeting in Bethesda on 28 August 1914, it seems that only twelve men joined the army, in an area with a population of over 11,000. There was a similar response in Llanberis, with only one man volunteering to join the army at the end of a meeting in September 1914, despite the fact that the hall was packed.

To encourage people to join the campaign, Welsh-speaking military officers, Welsh language posters and advertisements in local newspapers were used. Recruitment meetings were held across Wales – in village halls, chapels and fairs. Military marches were organised, with local brass bands leading parades through towns and villages. During January and February 1915,

over 250 soldiers visited Blaenau Ffestiniog, Penygroes, Llanrug, Llanberis, Deiniolen and Bethesda on a recruitment campaign. Financial incentives were also offered, for example Maenofferen Quarry in Blaenau Ffestiniog offered 5 shillings a week in addition to the soldier’s wages.

The play brings this aspect of the War’s history to life through the eyes of two brothers who work in the quarry, and shows the way the recruitment tactics impacted on and influenced them.  Siwan Llynor - author and director of the production explained further:

"The drama will offer an exciting theatrical experience to reflect the powerful recruitment tactics and campaigns of the period. We hope the experience will prick the conscience and question the morality of duty, religion and culture. The intention is to create a production and multi-sensory experience that will bring the audience to the centre of the events." The cast includes Dyfan Roberts, Owen Arwyn, Manon Wilkinson and Gwion Aled. Performances will take place 10.30am, 1pm and 3.30pm at 3, 4 & 11 10 October. They are in the Welsh language but an English synopsis will be available.  Tickets are free but numbers limited, and are available by contacting Mari Emlyn at Bara Caws on: 01286 675869 or 07880 031302 or through contacting the museum on 02920 573702  slate@museumwales.ac.uk   The performances are also available to schools between September 30^th  and October 2^nd  and  October 5^th – 9^th  2015. For more information please contact the museum on 02920 573702. The play is funded by the Welsh Government through the project Wales Remembers 1914-1918.

--- End --- For press information please contact Julie Williams on 02920 573707 julie.williams@museumwales.ac.uk or Mari Emlyn

on 01286 675869/07880 031302