Two weeks ago, I spent a day in Swansea, southern Wales, where I became thoroughly steeped in the legacy of the poet, playwright and writer, Dylan Thomas.
I feel fortunate to have met several exceptional individuals who are keeping of the legacy alive for future generations.
At 5 Cwmdonkin Drive, Dylan Thomas’ birthplace, we spoke with the lovely Anne Haden, who, with her husband Geoff, have lovingly restored the birthplace home of the author, while quite literally resurrecting the spirit of his family. Their venture is a unique way to educate visitors about domestic life in Wales during the early part of the 20th century. (http://www.5cwmdonkindrive.com/). Here a bit of Anne’s commentary about Dylan’s parents and his early years.
A wonderful treat for us was to have a chance to get to know acclaimed actor Peter Read., who originated the role of Dylan Thomas at the Edinburgh Festival and has appeared in many venues as the poet and playwright. A highlight was our visit to the Welsh town of Laugharne, where Dylan lived and worked and raised his young family. Peter joined us for lunch and a dramatic reading at Dylan’s gravesite. Hear Peter Read reciting “Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night.”
Well know artist Jeff Phillips was also a joy to meet. He was tremendously modest about his artistic talents and experience, but he has devoted the last several years to creating images of Dylan Thomas at various stages of his life and career. His artwork can be viewed at http://www.dylanthomasexperience.co.uk/
A huge thanks to Alan Maggs creator of The Dylan Thomas Experience, for bringing it all together for us.
And to all of our new friends in Swansea: see you on Dylan’s 100th birthday in 2014 at the White Horse Tavern in New York City’s West Village!
Chase Poffenberger
Academic Travel Abroad, Inc.
Lovely, Chase! I am so jealous. I have always loved Dylan Thomas. One of my favorite poems of all time is Fern Hill, that reads like a song. Here’s the first verse:
Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs
About the lilting house and happy as the grass was green,
The night above the dingle starry,
Time let me hail and climb
Golden in the heydays of his eyes,
And honoured among wagons I was prince of the apple towns
And once below a time I lordly had the trees and leaves
Trail with daisies and barley
Down the rivers of the windfall light.
It evokes everything good about a carefree childhood in the countryside. Thanks for sharing!