branwen
chwedl a chân
One of the greatest myths of Celtic mythology, this ancient Welsh story has an intimate relationship with the landscape where it is set as well as the landscape of the human soul. It is a story of magical transformation, extreme characters, wildness, fury and longing. The story has a different shape to it than many other stories and is rooted in a deep dream logic that still talks to us directly many centuries after its composition. This version is performed with the singer and composer Pauline Down and was premiered at the 2017 Festival at the Edge, where it was given a standing ovation and then Harlech castle (where parts of the story are set) with Beyond the Border.
If you are a community venue in Wales subsidy for the show is available through the Art Council Wales Night Out scheme, which offers venues a risk-free guarantee against loss.
The show is very low tech and suitable for festivals, clubs, small scale touring and house concerts. The show is available as a CD and mp3 download.
Pauline and Michael also perform as the duo Adlais and lead workshops for storytelling focusing on voice and rhythm.
“Branwen entrances from the first word until the final spell is cast. In one hour a whole world of marvel, mystery and humour is evoked through story and song.
Michael Harvey and Pauline Down are masters of their art, and wonderful ambassadors for Welsh culture and tradition. This is storytelling at its very best.”
“Michael Harvey and Pauline Down with the sublime ‘Branwen’. Quality storytelling and song with heart, power and charm...Such a wonderful telling of Branwen... loved Michael drawing the map of the Welsh Coast with that stick, as ever he the made the land sing in the story (and Pauline sang its soul). Branwen was truly magical. Thank-you Michael and Pauline. Just a masterclass in using music to bring out the depth of feeling behind the words. Skilful and poignant.”
Click here to buy the CD or mp3 download of the whole show.
“We enjoyed a very entertaining evening with Michael and Pauline in the hall last night. The power of words and music and professional storytelling is amazing. The unexpected addition of Welsh songs was the icing on the cake. Thank-you both.”