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.
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.
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.
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
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.
