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0:00:33 > 0:00:36- Once upon a time, - a young boy played on this beach.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40- Porth Ceiriad beach at the far end - of the Lleyn Peninsula.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- "He throws stones - on Porth Ceiriad beach.
0:00:48 > 0:00:50- "They dance as they hit the water.
0:00:51 > 0:00:55- "Is the same boy - who climbed the rocks,
0:00:55 > 0:00:59- "Now looking on, as a man?"
0:01:01 > 0:01:06- "Why does a boy from a '50s summer - come to play here?
0:01:06 > 0:01:09- "Making his way here and there.
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- "Why don't his shoes - leave tracks,
0:01:12 > 0:01:15- "As he walks and runs - along the beach?
0:01:17 > 0:01:19- "I try to call him.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- "But a voice from his future - greets his past.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- "I appear mute.
0:01:25 > 0:01:31- "The words of tomorrow cannot reach - the young boy who remains here.
0:01:32 > 0:01:35- "I follow his tracks - but he runs away.
0:01:35 > 0:01:39- "He disappears - every time I approach.
0:01:39 > 0:01:43- "Two time dimensions separate us.
0:01:43 > 0:01:47- "And with every year - they both grow further apart."
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- The boy on the beach - was called Alan Lloyd Roberts.
0:01:52 > 0:01:56- There is no entry under 'Father' - on his birth certificate.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00- Of the many adjectives he could have - used to describe his predicament...
0:02:00 > 0:02:05- ..he decided to describe himself - as an illegitimate child.
0:02:07 > 0:02:09- When you become more aware - of yourself...
0:02:10 > 0:02:13- ..and get older - and start asking questions...
0:02:13 > 0:02:18- ..you wonder why - you're different from everyone else.
0:02:18 > 0:02:21- Then, you realise - that you're an illegitimate child.
0:02:22 > 0:02:25- Amongst some people, there used - to be a stigma about such things.
0:02:26 > 0:02:28- It's all changed now.
0:02:28 > 0:02:33- I don't think I ever felt inferior - because of it...
0:02:34 > 0:02:37- ..although some people - would make you feel inferior.
0:02:39 > 0:02:42- I did feel I was different.
0:02:43 > 0:02:46- That was the only way to be...
0:02:46 > 0:02:51- ..especially when you were - surrounded by aunts and uncles...
0:02:51 > 0:02:55- ..who weren't real aunts and uncles.
0:02:58 > 0:03:01- From the age of five onwards Alan - Lloyd Roberts was raised...
0:03:01 > 0:03:05- ..by his aunt and uncle on Nant y - Big farm, near Pont Ceiriad beach.
0:03:05 > 0:03:09- They became his mother and father.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11- John, his cousin, - became his brother.
0:03:12 > 0:03:19- In his poem 'Gwynedd', he pays - tribute to his adopted father.
0:03:19 > 0:03:24- It also recalls the complex and - unusual nature of that inheritance.
0:03:26 > 0:03:31- "The succession of his lineage - and his surroundings fell to me.
0:03:31 > 0:03:37- "I felt connected among - the strangeness of my uncles.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42- "I felt an affinity among strangers.
0:03:42 > 0:03:44- "They were the veins of belonging."
0:03:46 > 0:03:50- My situation - could be problematic, at times.
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- It was more than - just a feeling of embarrassment.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57- It caused me great pain.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01- I remember very little about - the early years at Ysgol Botwnnog.
0:04:02 > 0:04:06- I only remember one thing - about the first day.
0:04:06 > 0:04:09- That one thing - has remained with me ever since.
0:04:09 > 0:04:13- A teacher was quizzing the pupils - to get to know them better.
0:04:13 > 0:04:17- He asked whether they had - brothers or sisters in the school.
0:04:18 > 0:04:20- I innocently said that I had.
0:04:20 > 0:04:24- He asked my name. - "Alan Lloyd Roberts," I replied.
0:04:24 > 0:04:28- The teacher asked me - if I had a brother or sister.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30- I said, "Yes, John Gwilym Jones".
0:04:30 > 0:04:34- I didn't think twice about it. - It was the truth.
0:04:34 > 0:04:37- He hit me and said, "Don't try - to be funny with me, boy!"
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- That was a harrowing experience...
0:04:43 > 0:04:46- ..for a shy boy - on his first day at school.
0:04:48 > 0:04:53- He has more pleasant memories - of his time at Ysgol Botwnnog.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56- He discovered - a new, exciting world...
0:04:56 > 0:05:00- ..when he was taught 'cynghanedd' - by his Welsh teacher...
0:05:00 > 0:05:02- ..T Emyr Pritchard.
0:05:03 > 0:05:09- 'Cynghanedd', and poetry - in general, were in his blood.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12- It came naturally to him.
0:05:12 > 0:05:17- The rules of 'cynghanedd' - and the finer points of poetry...
0:05:17 > 0:05:20- ..flowed through his veins.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23- It was quite frightening, - to be honest.
0:05:23 > 0:05:28- You were in the presence - of something and someone...
0:05:28 > 0:05:31- ..whom you didn't fully understand.
0:05:33 > 0:05:38- The boy was a genius - - a genius in the making.
0:05:40 > 0:05:42- You had a shock at times.
0:05:43 > 0:05:45- Here's an example.
0:05:46 > 0:05:51- I was marking some books one morning - before the morning service.
0:05:52 > 0:05:54- Someone knocked on my door.
0:05:54 > 0:05:57- This boy walked in - it was Alan.
0:05:58 > 0:06:01- He had a sheet of paper in his hand.
0:06:01 > 0:06:04- He was in the fourth form - at the time.
0:06:04 > 0:06:07- I asked him what he had in his hand.
0:06:07 > 0:06:09- His response was astonishing.
0:06:11 > 0:06:12- "An awdl", he replied.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16- After learning the rules - of 'cynghanedd'...
0:06:16 > 0:06:22- ..I composed 'cynganeddion' - and 'englynion' myself.
0:06:22 > 0:06:24- It all started from there.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30- I had an enthusiastic interest - in poetry at this point.
0:06:30 > 0:06:34- I read every book available to me - in school.
0:06:34 > 0:06:36- I bought a library of books.
0:06:36 > 0:06:40- Abersoch library was selling - its entire collection.
0:06:40 > 0:06:43- I bought the lot and I read the lot.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46- I had an infectious enthusiasm.
0:06:49 > 0:06:53- During his college days, - and after he'd started working...
0:06:53 > 0:06:55- ..he matured as a poet.
0:06:55 > 0:06:57- He won the Chair and the Crown...
0:06:58 > 0:07:02- ..at the Dyffryn Clwyd - National Eisteddfod in 1973.
0:07:02 > 0:07:05- He was the first person - to achieve the double...
0:07:05 > 0:07:07- ..since T H Parry-Williams in 1912.
0:07:07 > 0:07:10- After the National Eisteddfod...
0:07:10 > 0:07:13- ..Alan Lloyd Roberts - became Alan Llwyd.
0:07:13 > 0:07:15- He changed his identity...
0:07:15 > 0:07:20- ..and according to some, he changed - the direction of Welsh poetry...
0:07:20 > 0:07:22- ..through his column in Y Cymro.
0:07:22 > 0:07:25- His column in Y Cymro - was essential.
0:07:26 > 0:07:30- It inspired - a number of young poets.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33- It was also the inspiration...
0:07:33 > 0:07:37- ..for a number of 'ymryson y beirdd' - - poetry challenges.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44- It was Alan's idea to establish - an 'ymryson y beirdd' league.
0:07:46 > 0:07:50- He didn't see that through - but it was his idea.
0:07:51 > 0:07:55- The 'talwrn' has developed - over the last few years.
0:07:55 > 0:07:59- We now have a 'stomp' - - and 'ymrysonau' are held in pubs.
0:07:59 > 0:08:01- He started it all.
0:08:02 > 0:08:06- "I am here now, - because I'm a fool!"
0:08:06 > 0:08:08- LAUGHTER
0:08:12 > 0:08:15- Following the success - of his column in Y Cymro...
0:08:16 > 0:08:18- ..the Barddas Society was formed.
0:08:19 > 0:08:21- When Barddas was formed in 1976...
0:08:21 > 0:08:24- ..I was responsible - for Y Cymro's poetry column.
0:08:25 > 0:08:29- The idea for Barddas - came from that poetry column.
0:08:30 > 0:08:32- I wanted to rein in - all the enthusiasm...
0:08:32 > 0:08:37- ..that had been created through - the column and create a society...
0:08:37 > 0:08:40- ..on a par with - the Cerdd Dant society.
0:08:40 > 0:08:45- Strict metre poetry, with - the exception of the 'englyn'...
0:08:45 > 0:08:48- ..was stuck in a rut at the time.
0:08:48 > 0:08:50- Something needed to be done.
0:08:50 > 0:08:55- Some critics were predicting - the death of 'cynghanedd'.
0:08:55 > 0:08:59- Euros Bowen was experimenting - with poetic styles.
0:08:59 > 0:09:01- They weren't very successful.
0:09:02 > 0:09:06- I was hoping to revive - 'cynghanedd' in Barddas.
0:09:06 > 0:09:14- I was hoping to see strict metre - and free verse poetry...
0:09:14 > 0:09:17- ..of the very highest standard.
0:09:18 > 0:09:21- I opened it up to free verse - in the early days.
0:09:22 > 0:09:27- Alan played a large part in - the revival of strict metre poetry.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- To a great extent, - it's all because of Alan's work.
0:09:31 > 0:09:36- There's so much interest in the - craft and that interest is growing.
0:09:39 > 0:09:42- Establishing Barddas - wasn't his only highlight...
0:09:42 > 0:09:44- ..in the Cardigan Eisteddfod.
0:09:44 > 0:09:47- After winning the Crown earlier - in the week...
0:09:47 > 0:09:50- ..he was offered the Chair.
0:09:50 > 0:09:53- Alan's 'awdl' was a close second - to Dic Jones'.
0:09:54 > 0:09:58- But Dic Jones had broken one of the - Eisteddfod's fundamental rules...
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- ..by competing whilst a member - of the Eisteddfod's working party.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06- Alan Llwyd was persuaded to accept - the Chair against his own wishes.
0:10:07 > 0:10:10- He accepted, after presenting - the Eisteddfod's officials...
0:10:11 > 0:10:12- ..with a number of conditions.
0:10:13 > 0:10:17- The Eisteddfod declined to honour - any of his conditions.
0:10:19 > 0:10:24- The Eisteddfod in Cardigan - was an awkward Eisteddfod for me.
0:10:24 > 0:10:28- It was also an exciting - and a strange Eisteddfod for me...
0:10:29 > 0:10:31- ..and it was also the year - I got married.
0:10:32 > 0:10:35- I did have one pleasant occasion - that year.
0:10:35 > 0:10:38- Otherwise, - it was a very strange year.
0:10:41 > 0:10:46- Two years later, Alan and Janice - started to raise a family.
0:10:46 > 0:10:49- In 1978, their son Ioan was born.
0:10:49 > 0:10:52- Four years later, Dafydd was born.
0:10:53 > 0:10:56- On a high, - during the year of Dafydd's birth...
0:10:56 > 0:10:59- ..he would soon - be courting controversy once more.
0:10:59 > 0:11:05- Alan Llwyd published a critical - appraisal of Euros Bowen's poetry.
0:11:05 > 0:11:08- Euros Bowen attacked - Alan Llwyd's publication...
0:11:08 > 0:11:12- ..in a number of articles - in Y Faner and then in a book.
0:11:13 > 0:11:17- Euros Bowen was a joker, and he - liked to play up to the gallery.
0:11:17 > 0:11:20- That was Euros's other side.
0:11:20 > 0:11:26- Having someone dissect his poetry - was always going to create a stir.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30- The whole episode affected Alan.
0:11:30 > 0:11:34- I've appraised the work of many - poets and they've thanked me.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Even Euros Bowen thanked me once.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39- I wrote a book about his poetry.
0:11:39 > 0:11:43- I attracted people's attention - to his poetry.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48- I wrote an introduction to the book - - he loved the introduction.
0:11:48 > 0:11:51- I discussed his poetry with him.
0:11:52 > 0:11:56- I said, "This is what I can see - in your poetry." He agreed with me.
0:11:56 > 0:12:01- When it was published, he used it - as an excuse for self-publicity.
0:12:01 > 0:12:05- He belittled me after agreeing - with everything we'd discussed.
0:12:05 > 0:12:08- He claimed that - my interpretations were wrong.
0:12:09 > 0:12:13- What's interesting about Alan's book - is the message behind the book.
0:12:14 > 0:12:15- This is his message.
0:12:15 > 0:12:21- He was trying to point out that - Euros's poetry wasn't as dark...
0:12:21 > 0:12:24- ..as other critics had claimed.
0:12:24 > 0:12:27- That was in line with one - of Alan's greatest contributions.
0:12:27 > 0:12:30- He wanted to make poetry - accessible to all.
0:12:30 > 0:12:35- He wanted to eradicate a trend - that's still dominant in Wales...
0:12:35 > 0:12:40- ..that poets whose work - is difficult to read are dark poets.
0:12:40 > 0:12:44- This is Alan's abiding contribution.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- With a little extra effort, - you can understand these poets.
0:12:49 > 0:12:54- The controversy in Cardigan - and the squabble with Euros Bowen...
0:12:54 > 0:12:56- ..had created a pattern.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58- More controversy would soon follow.
0:13:04 > 0:13:04- 888
0:13:04 > 0:13:06- 888- - 888
0:13:13 > 0:13:18- After leaving Bangor University, - Alan worked at Awen Meirion in Bala.
0:13:18 > 0:13:24- He then moved to the Christopher - Davies Press in Swansea in 1976.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- He found city life difficult - until he met Janice.
0:13:30 > 0:13:33- The young Alan Llwyd - experienced many highs...
0:13:33 > 0:13:36- ..but he also attracted - a lot of trouble.
0:13:36 > 0:13:39- Other poets would create - those troubles.
0:13:39 > 0:13:43- Alan Llwyd built a reputation - for being controversial.
0:13:44 > 0:13:48- During those difficult years, - he found solace with his family.
0:13:48 > 0:13:53- Many of Alan Llwyd's poems - were inspired by his family life.
0:13:53 > 0:13:57- He found his voice - in 'Cerddi'r Cyfannu'.
0:13:57 > 0:14:00- These poems were written - about his wife's pregnancy.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03- She was the object - of all his romantic poetry.
0:14:03 > 0:14:06- Another series of poems - dedicated to his wife...
0:14:07 > 0:14:10- ..would create a stir some years - later - 'Sonedau i Janice'.
0:14:13 > 0:14:17- "I saw your nudity every day,
0:14:17 > 0:14:21- "Since the days of passion - of a 28-year-old.
0:14:21 > 0:14:29- "Your breasts accept - my tender touch forever more.
0:14:30 > 0:14:33- "I am familiar - with your tight thighs.
0:14:34 > 0:14:37- "Your flesh awakens my passion,
0:14:38 > 0:14:41- "As I smell the aroma - of your secret havens,
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- "And taste the nectar - of your dampness."
0:14:47 > 0:14:51- When I published 'Sonedau i Janice - A Cherddi Eraill'...
0:14:52 > 0:14:54- ..I was somewhat surprised.
0:14:55 > 0:14:58- Surprised at the narrow attitudes - that existed...
0:14:58 > 0:15:00- ..among readers of Welsh poetry.
0:15:00 > 0:15:04- The publication had created - embarrassment for some reason.
0:15:04 > 0:15:09- I thought I'd stepped back a century - or two when I published it!
0:15:09 > 0:15:11- Most people applauded it...
0:15:11 > 0:15:16- ..but one correspondent from Y Llan, - an ecclesiastical paper...
0:15:16 > 0:15:20- ..wanted to prohibit the publication - and burn it!
0:15:20 > 0:15:25- You have to move on - - you can't remain in the old days.
0:15:25 > 0:15:29- I like his romantic poetry.
0:15:29 > 0:15:32- It's romantic poetry of the flesh.
0:15:32 > 0:15:37- The flesh is acknowledged - as the inspiration of the poems.
0:15:37 > 0:15:42- The flesh excites the imagination.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48- That imagination - is free-flowing and unbridled.
0:15:48 > 0:15:51- It's both challenging - and adventurous.
0:15:51 > 0:15:57- The images are almost - an exaggeration.
0:15:57 > 0:16:02- The references to the body - and the way he depicts the body.
0:16:02 > 0:16:07- There are very few examples - of this type of romantic poetry.
0:16:07 > 0:16:10- I consider these poems - to be pioneering.
0:16:12 > 0:16:16- After working for the WJEC - and the Christopher Davies Press...
0:16:17 > 0:16:20- ..he had the opportunity - to work for himself in 1982...
0:16:20 > 0:16:23- ..when he started working - full-time for Barddas.
0:16:23 > 0:16:28- He edited the magazine and took - responsibility for its publication.
0:16:31 > 0:16:35- He was also one of Barddas' - most prolific poets.
0:16:35 > 0:16:39- When 'Barddoniaeth y Chwedegau' - was published...
0:16:39 > 0:16:43- ..it created much debate in - magazines such as Llais Llyfrau...
0:16:44 > 0:16:47- ..and on radio and TV, by people - such as Derec Llwyd Morgan.
0:16:47 > 0:16:50- It went on to win - three literary awards.
0:16:51 > 0:16:54- Alan spoke a great truth - when he described himself...
0:16:55 > 0:16:57- ..as a poet who deals with poets.
0:16:58 > 0:17:02- Inevitably, a poet who deals - with other poets...
0:17:03 > 0:17:07- ..offers an insight - into his own poetry.
0:17:08 > 0:17:13- Much of Alan's work on Euros Bowen - and '60s poetry is a revelation...
0:17:13 > 0:17:20- ..of the themes and obsessions - Alan has as a poet.
0:17:22 > 0:17:26- By now, Alan Llwyd was tired - of being a controversial figure.
0:17:27 > 0:17:29- The biggest storm was yet to come.
0:17:29 > 0:17:34- It arrived as he was trying - to defend himself from such storms.
0:17:34 > 0:17:37- In the May 1985 edition - of Barddas...
0:17:37 > 0:17:41- ..a poem was included - by an unknown poet.
0:17:41 > 0:17:44- People inquired after - this Meilir Emrys Owen.
0:17:45 > 0:17:50- It later transpired that Meilir - Emrys Owen was Alan Llwyd himself.
0:17:50 > 0:17:53- Fed up of being - talked about so much...
0:17:53 > 0:17:59- ..he changed his name, and with it, - his identity, once again.
0:18:01 > 0:18:05- One by one, - his poems appeared in Barddas.
0:18:05 > 0:18:09- A picture of the imaginary poet - appeared in one edition.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11- People began to praise his poetry.
0:18:12 > 0:18:16- Dr Dafydd Evan Morris described - 'Yr Hen Wr A'r Ddau Wr Ifanc'...
0:18:16 > 0:18:21- ..by Meilir, as one of the most - powerful poems written that year.
0:18:21 > 0:18:25- The same was the response - when another poem was published...
0:18:25 > 0:18:27- ..in the anthology 'Glasnos'.
0:18:29 > 0:18:31- What interests me about it...
0:18:31 > 0:18:37- ..is how it is an expression - of Alan's awareness...
0:18:37 > 0:18:40- ..that he has a multiple identity.
0:18:40 > 0:18:45- In the same way that he created - Alan Llwyd, he later created...
0:18:45 > 0:18:49- ..under the pressure - of special circumstances...
0:18:49 > 0:18:51- ..a new identity for himself.
0:18:51 > 0:18:55- Through this, he also created - a new opportunity for himself.
0:18:55 > 0:18:59- I believe him when he says - it helped him discover a new voice.
0:19:00 > 0:19:03- I respect someone who tries - to break out of the norm...
0:19:04 > 0:19:06- ..and destroy convention.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09- Then, you arrive at the way - he dealt with that.
0:19:10 > 0:19:12- That's where the problems start.
0:19:12 > 0:19:14- That's the other side of Alan.
0:19:14 > 0:19:19- It almost seems as if - he looks for trouble...
0:19:19 > 0:19:23- ..or that he's too naive - to understand...
0:19:23 > 0:19:25- ..the problems he could create.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28- Alan created quite a stir...
0:19:28 > 0:19:32- ..when he revealed - that he was Meilir Emrys Owen...
0:19:32 > 0:19:36- ..after he'd included poems - by the imaginary poet...
0:19:36 > 0:19:38- ..in his anthology - of twentieth century Welsh verse.
0:19:39 > 0:19:43- I thought Alan had gone too far - when he did that.
0:19:43 > 0:19:46- That's my own personal opinion.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49- I was concerned about him - at the time.
0:19:49 > 0:19:54- You shouldn't be that sensitive - when it comes to criticism.
0:19:54 > 0:19:56- I don't know how much he was goaded.
0:19:56 > 0:20:02- He answered the accusations - against him on Y Byd Ar Bedwar.
0:20:02 > 0:20:06- Those are my poems - - I will be publishing them.
0:20:06 > 0:20:11- It might be my final publication, - or the last one for a long time.
0:20:11 > 0:20:14- I'm going to stop writing poetry.
0:20:14 > 0:20:17- Meilir Emrys Owen's poems are mine.
0:20:17 > 0:20:21- The notes on the poems - are legitimate. I should know.
0:20:21 > 0:20:24- The poems exist, as does the poet.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27- The poet is a protest - against the public's behaviour.
0:20:28 > 0:20:32- The best thing at the time...
0:20:33 > 0:20:37- ..was to include this poet - in a respected publication...
0:20:37 > 0:20:42- ..so that the public would accept - him as a legitimate person.
0:20:42 > 0:20:46- Unfortunately, that was - the worst thing I ever did.
0:20:46 > 0:20:50- That's how people discovered - I was that poet.
0:20:50 > 0:20:54- It was wrong of me to include his - poetry in a respected publication.
0:20:55 > 0:21:00- That's one mistake - I readily accept I made.
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- Hiding behind Meilir Emrys Owen...
0:21:06 > 0:21:10- ..was the highpoint of Alan's battle - against frustration and persecution.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- After all this furore...
0:21:12 > 0:21:16- ..he felt he needed to change - the direction of his life...
0:21:16 > 0:21:20- ..in an attempt - to avoid the literary world.
0:21:20 > 0:21:23- He applied for a job - in the academic world.
0:21:25 > 0:21:31- I've taught myself - so many different things.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- I taught myself 'cynghanedd', - how to write poetry...
0:21:35 > 0:21:37- ..and so many other things.
0:21:38 > 0:21:45- I always had the urge to share - that knowledge and enthusiasm.
0:21:45 > 0:21:50- He is a poet, a teacher - and a critic...
0:21:50 > 0:21:58- ..when he offers advice to those - who submit their work anonymously...
0:21:58 > 0:22:01- ..in the magazine's monthly column.
0:22:01 > 0:22:06- That's where Alan's creative mind - is at work.
0:22:06 > 0:22:10- You gain from - having your work assessed...
0:22:11 > 0:22:15- ..by someone who understands - the craft and the art of poetry.
0:22:15 > 0:22:20- Very few academic - literary critics...
0:22:20 > 0:22:24- ..approach poetry - from that direction.
0:22:24 > 0:22:27- He assesses the work - as someone who also writes.
0:22:28 > 0:22:30- That's priceless.
0:22:31 > 0:22:35- He applied for posts - at two Welsh universities.
0:22:35 > 0:22:37- Swansea and Cardiff.
0:22:37 > 0:22:41- By now, he was a prominent poet - and critic in Wales.
0:22:42 > 0:22:45- Many academics were sure...
0:22:45 > 0:22:49- ..that he would be offered - one of the posts - but he wasn't.
0:22:49 > 0:22:55- Consider his academic work - or his literary criticisms.
0:22:56 > 0:23:01- You have a nucleus of solid books...
0:23:01 > 0:23:06- ..where Alan Llwyd is at his best.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09- That's the type of work - that corresponds...
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- ..to a Doctorate of Literature.
0:23:12 > 0:23:15- The DLitt in the university.
0:23:16 > 0:23:21- That's the standard - and the amount of work expected.
0:23:21 > 0:23:24- But that's not his main work.
0:23:25 > 0:23:27- That's not his main contribution.
0:23:27 > 0:23:30- That's not how we know Alan Llwyd.
0:23:30 > 0:23:32- We know him as a poet.
0:23:33 > 0:23:39- I think Alan Llwyd would have made - an excellent university lecturer.
0:23:40 > 0:23:43- He has the necessary qualities.
0:23:43 > 0:23:50- The ability to do research, - to be productive and to teach.
0:23:50 > 0:23:53- On the other hand, - having said that...
0:23:53 > 0:23:59- ..I'm glad, to some extent, - that he became a publisher.
0:23:59 > 0:24:02- If he'd become - a university lecturer...
0:24:02 > 0:24:06- ..I'm not sure if he could have - produced so much work.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09- We'd be all the poorer for that.
0:24:09 > 0:24:11- I've got Helen's books, yes.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14- There's a new collected poems - there...
0:24:14 > 0:24:20- As one door slammed shut - in his face, another soon opened.
0:24:20 > 0:24:26- I turned my back on - the traditional ways of writing...
0:24:26 > 0:24:31- ..such as literary criticisms, - poetry and book publications...
0:24:32 > 0:24:34- ..and started writing for the media.
0:24:34 > 0:24:36- I had to change direction.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40- I'd had enough of working - in the literary world.
0:24:40 > 0:24:47- Anything I wrote would either be - met with a sense of indifference...
0:24:47 > 0:24:51- ..or a barrage of criticism.
0:24:51 > 0:24:54- Cinematic film - is a medium for poets...
0:24:54 > 0:24:59- ..even in Hollywood but especially - in European countries.
0:24:59 > 0:25:03- Screenwriters are poets.
0:25:03 > 0:25:05- Poets often direct films, too.
0:25:05 > 0:25:08- When Alan told me about his idea...
0:25:09 > 0:25:13- ..of writing the script - for the film 'Hedd Wyn'...
0:25:14 > 0:25:17- ..I couldn't think - of a better person to write it.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21- Cinematic film - is a medium for images.
0:25:21 > 0:25:25- As a poet, - Alan could find the images.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30- More than that, you need - to be a master craftsman...
0:25:31 > 0:25:34- ..when you write for television.
0:25:35 > 0:25:41- If Alan's anything, - he's a master craftsman.
0:25:41 > 0:25:47- Alan Llwyd revisited his early roots - with his first project for S4C.
0:25:47 > 0:25:49- The film 'Hedd Wyn'.
0:26:02 > 0:26:04- 888- - 888
0:26:10 > 0:26:12- Alan Llwyd's roots - were in Hedd Wyn's country.
0:26:13 > 0:26:16- He learned about the poet of the - black chair from his grandparents.
0:26:17 > 0:26:20- They raised Alan - until he was five years old...
0:26:21 > 0:26:23- ..at 1, Belle Vue, Llanffestiniog.
0:26:24 > 0:26:29- When his grandmother died, he moved - to live with his aunt in Lleyn.
0:26:29 > 0:26:32- He has fond memories of his time - with Nain and Taid.
0:26:48 > 0:26:51- It's a strange experience - to see it like this...
0:26:51 > 0:26:53- ..in the middle of renovation work.
0:26:54 > 0:26:58- I expected to see the parlour room - on the left as we came in.
0:26:58 > 0:27:01- This is where the living room - used to be.
0:27:01 > 0:27:07- It's a bigger house - than I remember.
0:27:09 > 0:27:13- I remember this bedroom - and that bedroom.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17- That's where I saw Nain - when she'd died.
0:27:17 > 0:27:21- My uncle told me, a young child, - that she was sleeping.
0:27:21 > 0:27:22- I remember that.
0:27:24 > 0:27:27- I don't remember this room so well.
0:27:27 > 0:27:31- I remember one thing - - that's where I used to sleep.
0:27:31 > 0:27:33- I remember these stairs.
0:27:33 > 0:27:36- I'd forgotten - it was a three-storey house.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40- I remember these little stairs - that led to my bedroom.
0:27:40 > 0:27:43- I didn't remember that until now.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46- It's strange being back here.
0:27:46 > 0:27:51- From these beginnings, his life - took him in many directions.
0:27:52 > 0:27:59- My first memory - is of walking along the railway.
0:28:00 > 0:28:04- That was in Llanffestiniog - or in Meirionnydd, near my home.
0:28:04 > 0:28:08- I was holding someone's hand - - my real mother, perhaps.
0:28:09 > 0:28:13- I remember walking along the railway - and seeing houses in the distance.
0:28:13 > 0:28:16- I don't know why - that's stayed in my mind.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20- That's where my journey begins - - without a train along the railway.
0:28:23 > 0:28:28- That image stayed with him and it - reappeared in one of his poems...
0:28:28 > 0:28:30- ..'Einioes Ar Ei Hanner'.
0:28:30 > 0:28:36- "By now, I am halfway - through my life journey.
0:28:37 > 0:28:43- "Half a lifetime, from that - first memory to this moment,
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- "Has passed.
0:28:45 > 0:28:48- "The memory of the sun - on the railway,
0:28:49 > 0:28:51- "And the grey village - in the distance.
0:28:51 > 0:28:54- "Its houses shimmering - in the day's heat.
0:28:55 > 0:28:58- "One moment - from a different world...
0:28:58 > 0:29:03- "That doesn't exist any more."
0:29:06 > 0:29:10- In that world - that doesn't exist any more...
0:29:10 > 0:29:15- ..his grandfather, William Roberts, - was very influential in his life.
0:29:15 > 0:29:18- He hated everything about war.
0:29:18 > 0:29:24- A battalion marched through - Llanffestiniog during the Great War.
0:29:24 > 0:29:28- They were being led by an officer - who had a map in his hand.
0:29:28 > 0:29:33- They asked Taid if they were on - the right road to a military camp.
0:29:33 > 0:29:36- He told them they should go - in another direction.
0:29:36 > 0:29:39- The officer said, - "My map says otherwise."
0:29:39 > 0:29:42- "Well, follow your bloody map," - he replied!
0:29:42 > 0:29:45- The khaki colour was enough for Taid - - he hated war.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51- The grandson inherited - his grandfather's hatred of war.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54- A lot of his work, - as a poet and a critic...
0:29:54 > 0:29:58- ..is based on the two World Wars - of the twentieth century.
0:29:59 > 0:30:02- There was a newspaper cutting - in one of his books...
0:30:02 > 0:30:07- ..about a solider who had died - in the Great War.
0:30:07 > 0:30:08- Taid knew him.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- That's the first 'englyn' I learnt - without trying to learn it.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- "Oscar Phillips is no more,
0:30:16 > 0:30:18- "The pleasant lad is gone.
0:30:18 > 0:30:20- "His excellence remains,
0:30:21 > 0:30:23- "His memory will linger on."
0:30:25 > 0:30:30- His interest in the Great War - manifested itself in Hedd Wyn.
0:30:30 > 0:30:34- A film was produced, - a biography was written...
0:30:34 > 0:30:36- ..and a collection of Hedd Wyn's - poems was published.
0:30:37 > 0:30:42- Taid knew Hedd Wyn or Ellis - Yr Ysgwrn, as he called him.
0:30:42 > 0:30:44- I listened to Hedd Wyn's story...
0:30:44 > 0:30:49- ..while sitting on his lap - as a young child.
0:30:49 > 0:30:52- The story has stayed with me - throughout my life.
0:30:52 > 0:30:56- Nain was good friends - with Jini Owen.
0:30:56 > 0:31:00- I remember a story - about a torrential downpour...
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- ..and Jini Owen - was in the street, sobbing.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07- Nain invited her in and asked her, - "What's wrong, Jini?"
0:31:07 > 0:31:10- She said, "Ellis has been killed."
0:31:10 > 0:31:14- That story is still very much alive - in my memory.
0:31:14 > 0:31:18- I feel it's what started my interest - in the Great War, in Hedd Wyn...
0:31:18 > 0:31:22- ..and all sorts of things - - it's been there from the start.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48- As it happened, one of our most - talented directors, Paul Turner...
0:31:49 > 0:31:53- ..had shown an interest - in making a film about Hedd Wyn.
0:31:53 > 0:31:59- It was quite easy for me to say, - "Alan Llwyd, meet Paul Turner.
0:31:59 > 0:32:01- "Talk about it."
0:32:01 > 0:32:04- That's how it all came about.
0:32:04 > 0:32:06- WHISPERING VOICE
0:32:22 > 0:32:26- Paul Turner and Alan Llwyd's film - was seen around the world.
0:32:30 > 0:32:36- It won one of the most coveted - British television awards.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40- Its greatest achievement - was its Oscar nomination.
0:32:46 > 0:32:49- Alan Llwyd had discovered - a new medium.
0:32:49 > 0:32:56- He's written over 200 scripts, - including scripts for Pobol y Cwm.
0:32:57 > 0:33:02- Alan's often asked - how he fulfils his commitments...
0:33:02 > 0:33:04- ..as a poet and scriptwriter.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- What drives him on? He answers these - questions in his autobiography...
0:33:10 > 0:33:11- ..'Glaw ar Rosyn Awst'.
0:33:12 > 0:33:16- "To be honest, - the explanation is complex.
0:33:16 > 0:33:19- "I learnt from an early age - that I was different.
0:33:19 > 0:33:24- "I had to prove myself to myself, - come what may.
0:33:25 > 0:33:30- "I learnt that life was a battle - to establish one's 'self'.
0:33:30 > 0:33:35- "A battle against people's - prejudices and self-righteousness."
0:33:41 > 0:33:44- Here, in Lleyn, - on Porth Ceiriad beach...
0:33:44 > 0:33:47- ..Alan learnt that he was different.
0:33:55 > 0:33:57- Many themes in his poetry...
0:33:58 > 0:34:01- ..come from that acceptance - that he was different...
0:34:01 > 0:34:05- ..and his battle against people's - prejudices and self-righteousness.
0:34:05 > 0:34:09- Alan Llwyd often identifies - with minorities.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13- People on the outside, - people who are persecuted.
0:34:13 > 0:34:17- These themes can be seen in one of - Meilir Emrys Owen's poems.
0:34:30 > 0:34:34- "Our nation stretches - across the world.
0:34:35 > 0:34:38- "We are everyone.
0:34:39 > 0:34:47- "Our family is everyone hounded - by a government, state or tyranny.
0:34:47 > 0:34:51- "Our land is Europe's graveyard.
0:34:52 > 0:34:56- "There are no nations, - or populations or boundaries
0:34:56 > 0:34:58- "Between country and country.
0:34:58 > 0:35:00- "Or inheritance or affinity.
0:35:01 > 0:35:06- "Or one language - which separates us from each other.
0:35:06 > 0:35:08- "Or lineage.
0:35:08 > 0:35:12- "Our language is our torment.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18- "I am not me myself."
0:35:27 > 0:35:31- I've written many poems - about oppressed people.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33- Especially the Jews.
0:35:33 > 0:35:39- Until recently, that was - the worst example of humankind.
0:35:39 > 0:35:44- Humanity at its worst, - in its most barbaric form.
0:35:45 > 0:35:50- Poets shouldn't always write - light-hearted poetry.
0:35:50 > 0:35:54- We live in a complex world. - Poets should protest.
0:35:54 > 0:36:00- Poets should stand up - and voice their dissatisfaction.
0:36:01 > 0:36:05- This is evident - in the poem 'Cynnau Canhwyllau'.
0:36:05 > 0:36:08- It was a poem written for S4C...
0:36:08 > 0:36:12- ..to commemorate the end of World - War II, 50 years earlier.
0:36:15 > 0:36:20- "Tonight, your candles burn - in memory of the living dead
0:36:20 > 0:36:23- "Who were buried in a pitiful grave.
0:36:23 > 0:36:26- "The dead who will affect - your lives.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29- "The living skeletons - that drag their bones
0:36:29 > 0:36:38- "Through your troubled sleep and - open their arms in the underworld."
0:36:41 > 0:36:44- Alan Llwyd is most definitely - a poet of his time.
0:36:45 > 0:36:49- Some accused him of being too - pessimistic when he published...
0:36:49 > 0:36:53- ..'Ffarwelio a Chanrif'. It was, - however, a prophetic collection.
0:36:53 > 0:36:56- Since I published that collection...
0:36:56 > 0:37:01- ..the Twin Towers have been - attacked, Beslan's happened...
0:37:01 > 0:37:05- ..and since publishing it, - people have come to me and said...
0:37:05 > 0:37:08- .."They were in that collection".
0:37:08 > 0:37:11- I wasn't being dark and pessimistic.
0:37:12 > 0:37:14- I believe I am a poet of my time...
0:37:14 > 0:37:17- ..and I see my time as it is.
0:37:17 > 0:37:21- This ability to identify - with society's victims...
0:37:21 > 0:37:24- ..was behind his portrayals - of people like Rachel Roberts...
0:37:24 > 0:37:26- ..in the series Adar Drycin.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29- Rachel was a minister's daughter - from Llanelli.
0:37:29 > 0:37:31- She had a troubled life.
0:37:33 > 0:37:37- Significantly, she was rejected - by her mother, too.
0:37:50 > 0:37:55- Five weeks before she died, while - receiving psychiatric treatment...
0:37:56 > 0:38:00- ..she could hear her mother's voice - vividly from her childhood days.
0:38:00 > 0:38:01- BABY WHIMPERS
0:38:02 > 0:38:05- "Take her away from me - - I don't want to see her!"
0:38:14 > 0:38:14- 888
0:38:14 > 0:38:16- 888- - 888
0:38:25 > 0:38:28- Janice and the children - are a constant strength to Alan.
0:38:29 > 0:38:31- Many of his past battles - are behind him.
0:38:31 > 0:38:35- His complex background - only bothers him once in a while.
0:38:40 > 0:38:44- When his biological mother died, - he didn't attend her funeral.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- He experienced many - strange feelings at the time.
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- To make matters worse, - she died on Alan's birthday.
0:38:54 > 0:38:56- February the 15th.
0:38:56 > 0:39:01- He wrote a poem to express - his complex and mixed feelings...
0:39:01 > 0:39:03- ..'Ar Ddydd Fy Mhenblwydd'.
0:39:11 > 0:39:16- "I refuse to grieve for her - even though she was my mother.
0:39:16 > 0:39:22- "She was the one who gave me - the breath to live.
0:39:22 > 0:39:24- "I am her flesh and blood.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29- "Why should I grieve for her - this day,
0:39:29 > 0:39:31- "When she refused to raise me?
0:39:32 > 0:39:34- "She left me with the ones - who raised her.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- "She unloaded the burden of raising - a son she refused to acknowledge,
0:39:39 > 0:39:41- "To her own parents.
0:39:41 > 0:39:45- "Parents who were almost too old - to raise one so young.
0:39:45 > 0:39:51- "After burying my grandmother, - in the darkness of one January,
0:39:51 > 0:39:55- "Taid became my father and mother.
0:39:56 > 0:40:02- "The flowers of her death - adorned the birthday cake.
0:40:02 > 0:40:06- "The candles burnt like flesh.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12- "The day she brought me to this - world was the day she left it.
0:40:14 > 0:40:16- "We felt a gentle breeze - at the celebration.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21- "A layer of dust - settled on the feast.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25- "The sparks which jumped - from her coffin,
0:40:26 > 0:40:32- "Lit the flames - of the celebratory candles."
0:40:44 > 0:40:48- During this period, however, - he received recognition.
0:40:49 > 0:40:53- He was finally honoured - by the University of Wales.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- He was made an Honorary Fellow - at his old college in Bangor.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- He then received further - recognition.
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- Two close friends, Elwyn Edwards and - Dafydd Islwyn, Barddas Secretary...
0:41:06 > 0:41:09- ..were very supportive of him - during these years.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- They decided, - together with Barddas' committee...
0:41:13 > 0:41:17- ..to honour Alan by dedicating an - anthology of work to him in 2001...
0:41:17 > 0:41:22- ..on the occasion of the - Society's 25th year celebrations.
0:41:23 > 0:41:25- Now, after 25 years of activity...
0:41:26 > 0:41:29- ..Alan has mixed feelings about - the future of Welsh poetry.
0:41:30 > 0:41:35- I don't think Barddas was as - successful as I hoped it would be...
0:41:35 > 0:41:39- ..not only as a publication - but also as a Society.
0:41:40 > 0:41:44- The enthusiasm exists but I - don't think we've always reached...
0:41:44 > 0:41:47- ..the required standard - with strict metre poetry.
0:41:48 > 0:41:51- There are plenty of young poets - plying their trade.
0:41:51 > 0:41:54- There are plenty of promising poets.
0:41:54 > 0:41:59- But the poetry has become more - light-hearted and less substantial.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02- That isn't exactly - what I'd hoped for.
0:42:02 > 0:42:07- The 'stomp' and the 'talwrn' - do still have a key role to play.
0:42:08 > 0:42:10- I've taken part myself.
0:42:10 > 0:42:15- But people think it's the acceptable - standard in mainstream Welsh poetry.
0:42:15 > 0:42:20- Dic Jones said the 'talwrn' - was today's mainstream Welsh poetry.
0:42:20 > 0:42:22- If so, things are looking bleak.
0:42:23 > 0:42:26- What is mainstream poetry?
0:42:26 > 0:42:31- If it's poetry that appeals - to everyone, we should be proud...
0:42:31 > 0:42:35- ..that the 'talwrn' - and the 'stomp' are popular.
0:42:37 > 0:42:43- A lot of good work is produced - at these sessions.
0:42:43 > 0:42:48- There will always be poetry - that only appeals to some people.
0:42:49 > 0:42:53- Poetic forms, like everything else, - change with the times.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- They fall in and out of favour.
0:42:56 > 0:42:59- Imagine how poor and - one-dimensional poetry would be...
0:43:00 > 0:43:03- ..without Barddas - and without Alan's leadership.
0:43:03 > 0:43:08- I don't think the standards - have dropped. There's more variety.
0:43:08 > 0:43:14- I can see why Alan thinks he hasn't - changed the world with Barddas.
0:43:14 > 0:43:19- The question is - - where would we be without Barddas?
0:43:23 > 0:43:27- What about Alan Llwyd's poetry?
0:43:28 > 0:43:34- I'm deadly serious when I say - that I don't think my poetry...
0:43:34 > 0:43:39- ..will be widely read in - fifty to a hundred years' time.
0:43:39 > 0:43:45- Our language is changing, - as is our poetry.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48- Ultimately, I think - I'll be seen as a dinosaur!
0:43:48 > 0:43:51- That's something I've accepted.
0:43:51 > 0:43:54- It was difficult - to accept initially.
0:43:55 > 0:43:59- His intensity towards his work - and the seriousness of that work...
0:44:00 > 0:44:03- ..hasn't adhered him - to the popular vote.
0:44:03 > 0:44:06- That isn't important, in my opinion.
0:44:06 > 0:44:10- The question is - is he - a significant and important poet?
0:44:10 > 0:44:11- The answer is yes.
0:44:16 > 0:44:21- Alan and Janice have settled - in Morriston for the past few years.
0:44:21 > 0:44:24- That's where their sons, - Ioan and Dafydd, have grown up.
0:44:26 > 0:44:29- Alan Llwyd is middle-aged, - and busier than ever.
0:44:30 > 0:44:34- If he is remembered in the future, - for what will he be remembered?
0:44:34 > 0:44:39- As a poet, he's produced - 13 volumes of poetry.
0:44:40 > 0:44:46- He claims that the first four - are the work of an apprentice.
0:44:46 > 0:44:51- Other poets would be very proud - to have written them.
0:44:51 > 0:44:55- Alan can afford to place them - to one side.
0:44:55 > 0:44:57- There are nine volumes left...
0:44:58 > 0:45:02- ..starting with 'Cerddi'r Cyfannu', - going on to 'Ffarwelio A Chanrif'.
0:45:03 > 0:45:05- This poetry is of great importance.
0:45:06 > 0:45:11- He is Wales' greatest 'cywyddwr' - since the Middle Ages.
0:45:11 > 0:45:15- The greatest 'englynwr' ever.
0:45:17 > 0:45:21- That's not the most important part - of his work.
0:45:21 > 0:45:26- His greatest work, written in - vers libre or 'cynghanedd'...
0:45:26 > 0:45:30- ..describes the anguish - of the twentieth century.
0:45:30 > 0:45:34- He's one of the few 'cynganeddwyr' - who looks forward...
0:45:34 > 0:45:39- ..and looks to the present - without always looking to the past.
0:45:55 > 0:45:58- Alan Llwyd has long since left - the little boy behind...
0:45:59 > 0:46:00- ..on the beach in Lleyn.
0:46:01 > 0:46:04- He's changed his name - and his identity more than once.
0:46:04 > 0:46:07- "I am not me myself."
0:46:07 > 0:46:09- What of the future?
0:46:09 > 0:46:13- With Alan Llwyd's ability - to reinvent himself constantly...
0:46:14 > 0:46:17- ..no-one could ever - answer that question.
0:46:20 > 0:46:26- "I try to call him, but a voice - from his future greets his past.
0:46:27 > 0:46:28- "I am mute.
0:46:29 > 0:46:36- "The words of tomorrow cannot reach - the young boy who remains here."
0:47:18 > 0:47:21- S4C Subtitles by Rh Sion Morgan