Gafael Tir – a show that tells the story of land rights and protest in Wales.
“The first step in resistance is a history lesson; not a lesson written for us, but one we write ourselves.” – Professor Simon Critchley, The New School
The show explores the history of y werin (‘the Welsh common folk’), and their struggle for a better life. Their tales are told and their old ballads are sung as we meet kings, cross dressing farmers, radical preachers, land workers and unions; a thousand years of history squeezed into one performance. Drawing on Welsh folk arts, the show touches on politics, human rights, freedom of thought and expression, the right to protest and the history of British democracy.
“10 out of 10” – Daily Post
“Two men singing spellbindingly beautiful harmonies together, dressing up as women, acting badly and banging sticks, while I learn a thousand years of Welsh history. I didn’t for one moment regret travelling from London to Abergavenny to see Gafael Tir.”
“Gwilym and Owen’s performance is both emotionally engaging and historically enlightening. They deftly weave comedy and tragedy together – as skilfully as the bards of ancient times, I imagine. It really feels like going on a journey – through time and back to the roots of the tensions between the aristocracy and the common people. This history needs to be told and is meant for all of us. I’ve seen it twice and I’d definitely see it again!”