QWERIN: GWERIN = welsh word for FOLK + Q = Queer.
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Charged with Joy, QWERIN is inspired by the weaving and flowing patterns of traditional Welsh folk-dancing, combined with the pulsating energy of Queer nightlife. QWERIN is back in fresh form this year, commenting on notions of Queerness and Welshness through a contemporary dance performance which celebrates culture, identity and community. To an original soundtrack by some of Wales’ most renowned musicians and costumes that give a new edge to the Welsh traditional dress, QWERIN truly is a feast for the senses.
QWERIN was created in 2021 as a commission from Articulture and the Wales Outdoor Art Consortium and was developed into a full-length work for six dancers in 2022 with funding support from Arts Council Wales and additional support from the National Dance Company of Wales.
Performance Dates 2024:
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MARCH
Saturday 2nd @13.00
Qwerin Bach - Jubilee Square, Abertillery
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Sunday 3rd @10.30 + 13.30
Qwerin Bach - Cosy Croner, Porthcawl
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Saturday 9th @13.00
Qwerin bach - Welfare Park, Maesteg
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Thursday 14th @9.30 +16.15
QWERIN - Opening Doors Festival, Aberystwyth
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JUNE
Saturday 15th @2 + 4
QWERIN - Chapter Arts Centre, Cardiff
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AUGUST
3rd + 4th
Qwerin Bach - SPRAOI, Waterford, Ireland
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Saturday 24th
Qwerin Ar Droed - Between the Trees, Merthyr Mawr
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Monday 26th
QWERIN - Summer Sounds, King's Cross, London​​​
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more dates will be announced soon...
Qwerin (bach)
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‘Qwerin (bach)’ is the original version created in 2021 for 3 performers.
QWERIN
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QWERIN is the fully realised version of the work. It’s a piece for 6 performers. A live musician interjects synthesised sounds and layered instrumental tracks as the piece unfolds. Based on the same principles and structures as ‘Qwerin (bach)’, QWERIN is the fullest version of the work.
Qwerin ar Droed
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Qwerin ar Droed is a promenade performance of the spectacle dance performance, QWERIN. Many figures, dressed in a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Welsh costume float, glide and step between the guests with humour, mischief and magic. The brightly coloured skirts and the ominous presence of the oversized Welsh hats bring mystery and elegance to any event. Be in awe as they twirl, join them for a jig or simply watch them pose as they attempt to blend into their new surroundings.
CREATIVE TEAM
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Director and Choreographer: Osian Meilir
Performers
Qwerin Bach: Cêt Haf, Elan Elidyr a Osian Meilir
QWERIN: Bethan Laura Cooper, Cêt Haf, Deborah Light, Elan Elidyr, Mike Williams, Osian Meilir, Richard Pye with Samiwel Humphreys (Shamoniks)
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Design Team: Becky Davies (desginer) and Amy Barrett (maker)
Music Composition: Tic Ashfield, Benjie Talbott and Shamoniks
Pre-exisiting tracks by Pendevig and Gwilym Bowen Rhys
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Marketing: Ceri Puckett (2023/24)
Mentor: Marc Rees
Co-Producer and Tour Manager: Sophie Holland (2023/24)
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Film by Eddie Adamson Film and Guto Thomas​
