Epic tale of Branwen to come alive on stages across Wales in major new Welsh language musical

Wales Millennium Centre and Frân Wen have announced that they will be joining forces to produce brand-new Welsh-language dramatic musical Branwen: Dadeni, opening in Wales Millennium Centre’s Donald Gordon Theatre from 8 November.

Written by Hanna Jarman, Elgan Rhys and Seiriol Davies, with lyrics and music by Seiriol Davies, the new production will also be staged in Aberystwyth, and Bangor in November.

Branwen: Dadeni is directed by Frân Wen’s Artistic Director, Gethin Evans, with set and costumes by Elin Steele, lighting by Bretta Gerecke, orchestrations by Owain Gruffudd Roberts, and casting by Hannah Marie Williams.

A dispersed kingdom. A corrupt monarchy. A new generation desperate for change. Branwen: Dadeni is an epic Welsh language musical which brings one of our most well-known legends into the contemporary world.

After a bloody civil war, the Llŷr family control Cedyrn. Branwen, the charismatic young princess who has won the people’s hearts, is eager to move her country forward, but her brother, the king, won’t listen.

During an unexpected visit by the King of Ireland, she sees her opportunity: escape to a progressive and prosperous country where her voice will count and she’ll have the power to change things. But, as her star rises, every bargain, betrayal and body leads her deeper into the darkness, until, on the brink of ruin, the price becomes clear.

What would you sacrifice to create a just world? 

Gethin Evans said: “I’m thrilled to be sharing the news of our brand-new musical with the phenomenal Wales Millennium Centre - a partnership that is key to our development of new work of scale in the Welsh language. 

“Reimagining the myth of Branwen has been quite the journey, floored in our first workshop by the potential contemporary relevance of a tale we had all heard romanticised as children. Finding the humanity in these myth-like figures to unlock its themes of power, grief, and family with such an incredibly talented creative team is a real privilege. 

“I look forward to sharing the epic score and heart-wrenching story with audiences in Cardiff, Aberystwyth and Bangor through our strategic touring partners Aberystwyth Arts Centre and Pontio Arts.”

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