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0:00:17 > 0:00:21- Hello and welcome to Heno.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24- It's a very sombre evening in Wales.
0:00:25 > 0:00:28- News broke earlier today of the - death of Professor Gwyn Thomas.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31- He was a poet, - professor and academic...
0:00:31 > 0:00:36- ..and like everyone else, - we'll pay tribute to Gwyn Thomas...
0:00:36 > 0:00:41- ..for his tremendous contribution - to literature and culture in Wales.
0:00:41 > 0:00:45- Elin Fflur is at Galeri, Caernarfon - and is joined by guests...
0:00:46 > 0:00:51- ..who will pay tribute - to Dr Gwyn Thomas.
0:00:51 > 0:00:58- Tonight at Galeri, Caernarfon, we'll - pay tribute to Dr Gwyn Thomas...
0:00:58 > 0:01:03- ..in the company of Ifor ap Glyn - and Jason Walford Davies.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06- Thank you, Elin.
0:01:06 > 0:01:08- We also meet the students - from Coleg y Cymoedd...
0:01:09 > 0:01:12- ..who have received - a special invitation.
0:01:12 > 0:01:16- We're from Coleg y Cymoedd - and study BTEC Performance Arts.
0:01:16 > 0:01:19- We'll also perform Macbeth - in the West End.
0:01:19 > 0:01:22- You can find out more later.
0:01:22 > 0:01:25- We're also joined by pianist, - Iwan Llewelyn Jones...
0:01:25 > 0:01:29- ..to discuss the Wales - International Piano Festival.
0:01:29 > 0:01:34- I look forward to our chat and your - performance later in the programme.
0:01:39 > 0:01:44- News broke today of the passing - of the poet and prolific author...
0:01:44 > 0:01:49- ..Dr Gwyn Thomas, at the age of 79.
0:01:49 > 0:01:54- Gwyn was a friend of the programme - and contributed regularly to items..
0:01:55 > 0:02:00- ..especially with me - and our North Wales crew.
0:02:00 > 0:02:06- Let's reflect upon the life and work - of the late, Gwyn Thomas.
0:02:16 > 0:02:21- 'Dol Awel, Llwyn y Gell, - Glan y Pwll, Rhiwbryfdir
0:02:21 > 0:02:25- 'They are old names - that were coined by some
0:02:26 > 0:02:31- 'That were once here in Blaenau to - denote main places of their habitat
0:02:31 > 0:02:37- 'Above us in the grip of the clouds, - in the teeth of the rugged rocks'
0:02:37 > 0:02:40- Gwyn Thomas - didn't want anyone to forget...
0:02:40 > 0:02:43- ..that he was a native - of Blaenau Ffestiniog.
0:02:43 > 0:02:48- He was born in Tanygrisiau in 1936 - and lived and worked in Bangor...
0:02:48 > 0:02:53- ..but Blaenau Ffestiniog - remained closed to his heart.
0:02:53 > 0:03:00- Many people consider - Blaenau Ffestiniog as one street...
0:03:00 > 0:03:04- ..and slate heaps encompassing - both sides of the street.
0:03:04 > 0:03:10- There are remnants - of the slate quarry industry...
0:03:10 > 0:03:18- ..and this seems - perfectly natural to me...
0:03:19 > 0:03:22- ..but it's also - a vast land of beauty.
0:03:22 > 0:03:26- Everyone admired Gwyn - at school in Blaenau.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30- To be honest, - we were quite jealous of him.
0:03:31 > 0:03:34- He was a talented footballer - and head boy at the school.
0:03:34 > 0:03:39- He left school at Blaenau Ffestiniog - and studied at Bangor University...
0:03:39 > 0:03:42- ..then continued at - Jesus College at Oxford.
0:03:42 > 0:03:45- He returned to Bangor - as a professor...
0:03:45 > 0:03:48- ..and there are fond - memories of him being here.
0:03:48 > 0:03:52- I'm sure that the hundreds of - students that he once taught...
0:03:53 > 0:03:56- ..remember him as - an incredibly kind character...
0:03:57 > 0:04:01- ..and took a great interest - in his students.
0:04:01 > 0:04:06- My first recollection of Gwyn - was when I was a student at Bangor.
0:04:06 > 0:04:14- I recall imitating him in front - of the class and he told me off.
0:04:14 > 0:04:18- I moved to Bangor to serve as a - minister at the church at Pendre...
0:04:18 > 0:04:22- ..Gwyn was one of the deacons.
0:04:22 > 0:04:27- I had known him for years - prior to this...
0:04:27 > 0:04:33- ..and made me feel - at home quite quickly.
0:04:33 > 0:04:40- We were members of the same chapel - and he made the congregation laugh.
0:04:40 > 0:04:45- It's funny how he was from Blaenau - and I was from Bethesda.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- We were cricket fanatics - but both areas were flat.
0:04:50 > 0:04:54- One of Gwyn's prominent features - was his remarkable energy...
0:04:55 > 0:05:00- ..and was prolific in academic work - and autobiographies...
0:05:00 > 0:05:06- ..but he's mostly known - for his poetic work.
0:05:07 > 0:05:11- 'The sound of the slate - scraping through the night
0:05:11 > 0:05:14- 'Rainfall for the west - loosens the darkness
0:05:15 > 0:05:20- 'Rubble runs down the quarry heap.'
0:05:21 > 0:05:25- He was a talented academic - and a highly praised poet.
0:05:25 > 0:05:31- He popularized Welsh classics - such as the Mabinogi tales...
0:05:31 > 0:05:39- ..and his determination - was something to admire.
0:05:39 > 0:05:43- He also shared an interest - in modern culture...
0:05:43 > 0:05:49- ..and was a massive fan - of cowboy and Indian films.
0:05:49 > 0:05:52- He won the Tir na n-Og Award - three times...
0:05:52 > 0:05:56- ..and in 2006 he became - the national poet of Wales.
0:05:56 > 0:06:03- His words feature on the windows of - Hafod Eryri on the top of Snowdon.
0:06:03 > 0:06:12- I wanted to emphasize its glory, - dangers and archaic aspects.
0:06:12 > 0:06:19- This reflects our nation and its - glory and everything that makes it.
0:06:20 > 0:06:28- Many of his former students will be - saddened by the news of his passing.
0:06:28 > 0:06:33- It'll be difficult - to fill the gap that he leaves.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37- Gwyn Thom was a legend.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52- We have fond memories of Gwyn.
0:06:52 > 0:06:58- Welcome to Galeri, Caernarfon.
0:06:58 > 0:07:03- He made a great contribution - to the literary world in Wales.
0:07:03 > 0:07:06- Tonight, we're paying tribute - to Dr Gwyn Thomas.
0:07:07 > 0:07:09- We're joined by two guests - who knew him well...
0:07:10 > 0:07:14- ..Dr Jason Walford Davies - and the Chief Bard, Ifor ap Glyn.
0:07:14 > 0:07:19- He made a great contribution - to the literary world in Wales.
0:07:19 > 0:07:23- Ifor, as a poet yourself...
0:07:24 > 0:07:32- ..you're aware of his influence - on other great Welsh poets.
0:07:32 > 0:07:36- Gwyn wrote about Kyffin Williams.
0:07:37 > 0:07:43- I don't remember the quote.
0:07:43 > 0:07:48- It was about the dark colours in his - work but the sunshine he brought.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53- He was well-versed in poetry.
0:07:53 > 0:07:58- He wrote a book about it.
0:07:58 > 0:08:08- He knew about our history but - always looked towards our future.
0:08:14 > 0:08:20- Hundreds of people have been paying - tribute to Gwyn online.
0:08:20 > 0:08:25- Many of them - are his former students.
0:08:25 > 0:08:31- You were taught by Gwyn.
0:08:31 > 0:08:35- I first worked with him - many years ago.
0:08:35 > 0:08:39- I studied his work for my A Level.
0:08:39 > 0:08:44- I also worked with him.
0:08:45 > 0:08:53- He was a great mentor.
0:08:53 > 0:08:59- He was always a friendly character - and very supportive.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03- He was multi-talented.
0:09:03 > 0:09:11- He was an expert in many fields.
0:09:11 > 0:09:16- Jason, you're the editor - of Gweledigaethau...
0:09:16 > 0:09:26- ..which is a volume of critical - essays in honour of Gwyn Thomas.
0:09:34 > 0:09:44- He was a scholar, - writer and translator.
0:09:49 > 0:09:54- These talents - all complimented each other.
0:09:55 > 0:10:01- He wasn't confined to boundaries.
0:10:02 > 0:10:08- He welcomed all sorts of new ideas.
0:10:09 > 0:10:15- He was a great visionary - in the film world too.
0:10:15 > 0:10:22- He was the National Poet of Wales.
0:10:22 > 0:10:30- He wanted to see poetry - on beer mats!
0:10:30 > 0:10:35- This May, you will start your work - as the National Poet of Wales.
0:10:35 > 0:10:43- Gwyn Thomas was also the - former National Poet of Wales.
0:10:43 > 0:10:50- I got the pleasure of meeting him - after my role was announced.
0:10:50 > 0:10:55- One day, - I thumbed a lift from Gwyn Thomas.
0:10:56 > 0:10:57- I was star struck!
0:11:03 > 0:11:09- I'd just been reading his work.
0:11:09 > 0:11:14- People have been describing him - as a great character.
0:11:15 > 0:11:19- Gwyn was always friendly.
0:11:20 > 0:11:24- He would sometimes phone - me for a game of tennis.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28- He was a great player.
0:11:28 > 0:11:34- He would always show - an interest in your life.
0:11:34 > 0:11:37- Thanks to you for your company.
0:11:37 > 0:11:44- I have very fond memories of Gwyn.
0:11:44 > 0:11:53- He introduced my brother and I - during our very first gig.
0:11:54 > 0:11:58- I'll never forget how kind - he was to us that night.
0:11:58 > 0:12:02- Thank you, Elin.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06- We remember Professor Gwyn Thomas - who passed away last night.
0:12:06 > 0:12:09- We send our condolences - to his wife, Jennifer...
0:12:10 > 0:12:12- ..his children Rhodri, - Ceredig and Heledd...
0:12:13 > 0:12:15- ..and also his grandchildren.
0:12:16 > 0:12:18- Subtitles
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- Welcome back to Heno.
0:12:24 > 0:12:26- Still to come on the programme...
0:12:26 > 0:12:30- ..Llinos Lee joins students from - Coleg y Cymoedd in the Rhondda...
0:12:30 > 0:12:34- ..who have received an invitation - to perform on stage in the West End.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36- We look forward - to hearing more about it.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42- First, we welcome the pianist, - Iwan Llewelyn Jones to our studio.
0:12:42 > 0:12:52- Iwan is here to tell us about the - Wales International Piano Festival.
0:12:53 > 0:12:57- When is it all happening?
0:12:57 > 0:13:05- It's a four-day event.
0:13:06 > 0:13:14- It takes place at the end - of the month and ends on 2 May.
0:13:14 > 0:13:20- It's the Wales International - Piano Festival.
0:13:20 > 0:13:24- You're running the event.
0:13:24 > 0:13:30- I'm the director of the festival.
0:13:30 > 0:13:38- We wanted to create an international - festival that's held in Wales.
0:13:38 > 0:13:44- Pianists from all over - will come to meet at the festival.
0:13:44 > 0:13:53- There's a concert - by several pianists.
0:13:53 > 0:14:00- On the Saturday, we're celebrating - the creativity of Wales.
0:14:00 > 0:14:05- We've commissioned works - by several Welsh composers.
0:14:11 > 0:14:16- Some pieces have been inspired - by Welsh literature.
0:14:20 > 0:14:27- There's also a piece of work - inspired by French art.
0:14:28 > 0:14:35- There's a piece of work - for a chamber orchestra too.
0:14:36 > 0:14:39- Is there a competition?
0:14:40 > 0:14:47- There will be two competitions - during the festival.
0:14:47 > 0:14:57- There's a solo competition - for pianists under 18.
0:14:57 > 0:15:07- There's also a contest for - semi-professional pianists.
0:15:13 > 0:15:17- There's an accompanist competition - too.
0:15:17 > 0:15:20- There's a wide repertoire - being played during the festival.
0:15:20 > 0:15:22- It will be held in Caernarfon.
0:15:22 > 0:15:26- We look forward to your performance - at the end of our programme.
0:15:26 > 0:15:28- Next week, - Britain marks 400 years...
0:15:28 > 0:15:32- ..since the death of the dramatist - William Shakespeare.
0:15:32 > 0:15:35- There will be a week of celebrations - on London's West End...
0:15:35 > 0:15:38- ..and professional performances - of his work...
0:15:38 > 0:15:41- ..as well as productions staged - by schools and colleges.
0:15:41 > 0:15:45- Coleg y Cymoedd college - will be among those performing.
0:15:45 > 0:15:49- Llinos went to meet them - ahead of their big performance.
0:15:49 > 0:15:56- Every drama student's dream - is to perform on the West End.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- For a group from Coleg y Cymoedd - college in the Rhondda...
0:16:01 > 0:16:07- ..their dream is about to come true.
0:16:08 > 0:16:11- On Monday at - the Piccadilly Theatre in London...
0:16:11 > 0:16:18- ..there's an event to celebrate - the life and works of Shakespeare.
0:16:18 > 0:16:23- Several dramas will be performed - by schools and colleges...
0:16:23 > 0:16:27- ..that have been invited to be - perform during the opening night...
0:16:28 > 0:16:30- ..ahead of a week of events.
0:16:30 > 0:16:34- Coleg y Cymoedd's BTEC Performing - Arts students will perform Macbeth.
0:16:35 > 0:16:38- Why have you been invited - to perform on the West End?
0:16:38 > 0:16:42- We were invited by the founder of - the Shakespeare Schools Festival...
0:16:42 > 0:16:46- ..Chris Grace.
0:16:46 > 0:16:50- In November, he came to see our show - at Aberdare's Coliseum Theatre.
0:16:50 > 0:16:57- He thought we were great and wanted - to show us off to those in London.
0:16:57 > 0:17:01- We were chosen - ahead of 1,200 other schools.
0:17:01 > 0:17:05- We're the only Welsh school - that will be travelling to London.
0:17:06 > 0:17:11- Your production of Macbeth - is rather different.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16- Our tutor decided to involve - everyone in the show...
0:17:17 > 0:17:21- ..rather than cast certain - individuals in the key roles.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25- She transformed the production - to include lots of dancing...
0:17:26 > 0:17:29- ..whilst retaining the story.
0:17:29 > 0:17:33- There are 30 of us on the course...
0:17:33 > 0:17:37- ..and all of us - will be going to London.
0:17:38 > 0:17:41- We'll be performing on 18 April...
0:17:42 > 0:17:44- ..at the Piccadilly Theatre - on the West End.
0:17:44 > 0:17:50- We're all pumped up - but we're very nervous.
0:17:50 > 0:17:55- We were thrilled when we - were invited to go to the West End.
0:17:55 > 0:18:01- It's an incredible experience - to award the students' hard work.
0:18:01 > 0:18:08- Jaye has done some awesome work - with everyone in the class.
0:18:08 > 0:18:12- I'm really happy that Coleg - y Cymoedd BTEC Performing Arts...
0:18:12 > 0:18:15- ..have had this opportunity - to go to the West End...
0:18:15 > 0:18:19- ..and perform this amazing piece.
0:18:19 > 0:18:24- It shows the array of talent - that's in the Rhondda Valleys.
0:18:24 > 0:18:28- The students that are going - to perform are on another level.
0:18:28 > 0:18:31- They're going to blow everyone away.
0:18:31 > 0:18:34- How do you feel - about going to the West End?
0:18:34 > 0:18:38- There are no words to describe it.
0:18:38 > 0:18:45- I'm so excited and glad that I'm - going with such friendly people.
0:18:46 > 0:18:47- I can't wait.
0:18:48 > 0:18:50- It's an incredible feeling.
0:18:50 > 0:18:55- It's a pleasure to work with the - cast and we're like one big family.
0:18:55 > 0:18:58- It's an honour - to be a part of the event.
0:18:58 > 0:19:02- Next Monday, we'll be going - to the Piccadilly Theatre...
0:19:02 > 0:19:04- ..and will perform - to around 1,000 people.
0:19:05 > 0:19:09- It's going to be fantastic - and we can't wait.
0:19:16 > 0:19:26- Iwan Llewelyn Jones has been - my studio guest this evening.
0:19:36 > 0:19:41- Tell us about Noddi Nodyn.
0:19:41 > 0:19:48- There's a campaign to raise money.
0:19:48 > 0:19:51- There are 88 keys on a piano.
0:19:52 > 0:19:57- We wanted people to buy a note.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01- Their names have been put - on the keys.
0:20:01 > 0:20:06- If you would like - to sponsor a key...
0:20:06 > 0:20:13- ..visit www.pianofestival.co.uk
0:20:14 > 0:20:18- After the festival, - I won't be able to rest.
0:20:18 > 0:20:25- I'm working on my Masters.
0:20:25 > 0:20:28- I'm also doing a few cruises - before going on holiday to Bali.
0:20:29 > 0:20:33- We look forward - to your performance shortly.
0:20:33 > 0:20:41- Thank you, Iwan.
0:20:41 > 0:20:49- On tomorrow's Heno, we'll be live - at the National Library of Wales...
0:20:49 > 0:20:53- ..where the public get to see - exclusive clips of Y Llyfrgell...
0:20:53 > 0:20:57- ..an adaptation of the novel - written by Fflur Dafydd.
0:20:57 > 0:21:00- We report from the Bob Dylan - a'r Ebillion concert...
0:21:00 > 0:21:03- ..and author Llwyd Owen - chats to Llinos and Rhodri...
0:21:03 > 0:21:05- ..and has a special prize for you.
0:21:05 > 0:21:06- I'm Llwyd Owen.
0:21:06 > 0:21:09- On tomorrow's Heno I'll - discuss my latest novel, Taffia.
0:21:10 > 0:21:12- To celebrate publishing - my tenth novel...
0:21:12 > 0:21:15- ..you could win a signed copy - from this bundle of books.
0:21:16 > 0:21:18- Don't forget to watch - Friday's Heno at 7.00pm.
0:21:19 > 0:21:22- You can win ten Llwyd Owen novels on - tomorrow's programme.
0:21:22 > 0:21:25- Tonight we've been remembering - poet, author and scholar...
0:21:25 > 0:21:28- ..Gwyn Thomas, - who passed away last night.
0:21:28 > 0:21:31- Many tributes - have been paid to him today...
0:21:31 > 0:21:36- ..including these words - from Meirion MacIntyre Huws.
0:21:36 > 0:21:40- "A common but rare bird."
0:21:40 > 0:21:44- We end with a special performance - by pianist, Iwan Llewelyn Jones...
0:21:45 > 0:21:48- ..filmed at Stradey Castle.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51- Ar Lan y Mor is the melody - - a Welsh folk song...
0:21:52 > 0:21:58- ..and it's in honour of Gwyn Thomas, - one of Wales' poetic legends.
0:21:58 > 0:22:00- Goodnight.
0:24:52 > 0:24:54- .