Since August, eight dancers have been matched with eight poets to create eight short films in a project from National Dance Company Wales and Literature Wales. These are now available to watch online and will also be broadcast as part of Chapter Arts Centre’s monthly Movie Maker screening in December.
The videos have been inspired by the artists own stories, location, heritage, online campaigns and connection with Wales.
NDCWales Associate Director, Lee Johnston said, “the Plethu / Weave project has enabled 16 artists to express timely and valuable reflections on this important moment in time for humanity. The expressive power of dance and poetry combined is potent, as all eight films soar around the landscapes and languages of Wales and dive into the contemporary feeling of Wales's people. All eight films have been inspiring, authentic and courageous."
Lleucu Siencyn, CEO of Literature Wales, added, “These very moving films, created as part of the Plethu / Weave dance and poetry collaborations, have given us a chance to reflect on some of the important themes and ideas which have emerged in Wales and the world during this year. The project has created opportunities for the poets to work within an entirely different medium, and has celebrated Wales’s literary culture in new and exciting ways. Literature Wales is thrilled with the outcomes; these works have been fascinating and has made us think again about the deeper purpose of poetry and dance and the role that culture plays in our society.”