Nawr yr Arwr / Now the Hero

Detail of one of Frank Brangwyn's British Empire Panels at Brangwyn Hall in Swansea

Nawr yr Arwr / Now the Hero is an immersive theatrical experience at The Brangwyn Hall, Swansea from 25 to 29 September 2018. Created by site-responsive artist Marc Rees, the work is part of the final 14-18 Now season and takes visitors through three intertwining narratives of war: from Celtic history, the First World War and today’s conflicts. Rees uses Frank Brangwyn's little-known British Empire Panels, originally commissioned by the House of Lords to commemorate the First World War, the paintings were rejected by Parliament as ‘too lively’ and they have been displayed in Swansea since 1934.

Counterpointing these is a new requiem originally commissioned by the late, twice Oscar-nominated, composer Jóhann Jóhannsson, realised by composer Owen Morgan Roberts from an original collaboration with Jóhannsson. The requiem features a text by Owen Sheers and the work is sung by Polyphony, conductor Stephen Layton.



Commissioned by 14-18 NOW. Produced by Taliesin Arts Centre/Swansea University in partnership with the City & County of Swansea and Swansea International Festival and with the generous support of Arts Council of Wales, the Welsh Government, the City & County of Swansea, the Colwinston Charitable Trust, Swansea University and Heritage Lottery Fund – Awards for All

Full details from the 14-18 Now website.