Olion Baner No Text

Olion

A modern myth in three parts

Bringing the legend of Arianrhod from the depths of the Mabinogi to the modern day.

In an innovative feat of storytelling, the OLION trilogy unfolds through a live theatre stage show, open-air theatre across the streets of Bangor, and a short film.

Join us this September as we journey from the depths of the sea to the heights of freedom.

🔗 Buy OLION tickets 🔗

Olion Part 1

Part I: Arianrhod
Pontio, Bangor
20 - 28 September 2024

A live theatre show that reimagines the drowning of Caer Arianrhod.

The fortress is alive with hedonism, sex and spirituality as Arianrhod and her tribe of runaways prepare for a solar eclipse that promises to leave the pain of war behind and give way to a new age of light. But in that fateful moment of complete darkness when the moon covers the sun, they endure unspeakable violence and betrayal.

As Arianrhod continues to resist the demands of her ruling family, she triggers a devastating supernatural storm that sinks her fortress to the depths of the ocean.

Thousands of years later and her descendants are still hiding in fear on the ocean’s bed. Will they ever be tempted to leave and experience the forbidden land above for themselves?

Fusing live theatre, dance and music, this is a fierce story of one fateful night that reverberates through generations.

Olion Part 2

Part II: The Underworld
Bangor Pier (and other locations)
28 September 2024

Arianrhod’s descendants emerge from the water but will they be welcomed with open arms? Or will their fears of what humanity is capable of become a reality?

Scenes will unfold across Bangor as dramatic confrontations and a thrilling rescue transforms into a celebration of difference, the acceptance of grief and the triumph of joy.

This is a free event but booking is required through Pontio website.

Olion Part 3

Part III: The Mother
Online
October 2024

The epilogue.

A short film using real footage from part I and II offers an intimate insight into the life of an ordinary family from Bangor.

But what happens when a psychedelic trip transforms the suburb of Hirael into the fantasy world of Caer Arianrhod?

Tickets

Tickets on-sale through Pontio's website.

In association with Pontio, Bangor with the support of GISDA and Storiel.

Age Guidance 16+

This production contains some disturbing scenes and is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over.

News

OLION CAST

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COMMUNITY CAST

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Frân Wen receives core funding from Arts Council of Wales to support its programme.

Olion, which is a 15 month programme of activities is also supported by Cyngor Gwynedd. The project has received £252,911 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Rhian Blythe Arianrhod
Owain Gwynn
Gwydion
Chenai Chikanza
Elan
Mirain Fflur
Goewin + Heulwen
Owen Alun
Madoc
Sharon Morgan
Dôn
Aisha-May Hunte
Seren
Rhodri Trefor
Gilthfaethwy
Mischa Jardine Dancer
Amber Howells Dancer
Julia Costa Dancer
Keith Alexander Dancer
Harrison Claxton Dancer

Rhian Blythe
Owain Gwynn
Chenai Chikanza
Sharon Morgan
Owen Alun
Mirain Fflur
Aisha May Hunte
Rhodri Trefor
Keith
Harrison Claxton
Mischa
Amber Howells
Julia Costa

Creative Team

Co-Writers Olion Part I: Angharad Elen & Sera Moore Williams

Lead Dramaturg: Angharad Elen

Creative Director: Gethin Evans

Co-Director Part I and Choreographer Part II: Anthony Matsena

Visual Dramaturg and Director of Part II: Marc Rees

Set and Costume Designer: Elin Steele

Composer: Alex Comana

Sound System Designer: Sam Jones

Lighting Designer: Ryan Joseph Stafford

Community Director: Elis Pari

Community Associate: Rebecca Wilson

Executive Producer: Jacob Gough (Deryncoch Cyf)

Creative Producer: Ceriann Williams

Production Managers: Bethan Davies & Lewis Williams

In collaboration with GISDA, OLION has been developed with Lewis Williams, Eva Smith, Isaac Parsons, Keira Bailey-Hughes, Eleanor Parsons, Cefyn Williams, Mabon Williams, Sky Kiera-Louise Davies, Reece Moss Owen, Anya Davin-Easey Sherlock, Tamzin Amy Jones, Catrin Hughes, Lee Southgate, Christie Hallam-Rudd, Vex Vaughan, Shay & Con

In association with Pontio with support from GISDA and Storiel.

How to watch the trilogy

OLION is a unique trilogy in the form of a live stage theatre show (Part I: Arianrhod), a site-specific outdoor theatre production that starts from Bangor Pier (Part II: The Underworld), and a digital short film (Part III: The Mother) which will be available on-line.

Part I: Arianrhod20 - 28 Sep 2024Pontio Bangor£10-£18
Part II: Yr Isfyd28 Sep 2024Bangor PierTickets are free
Part III: Y FamOctober 2024On-lineFree