DANCE STAGE, SUNDAY
Merch y Felin - The Maid of the Mill is the second of two original pieces by Helen Adam being performed at this year's festival.
It is a love story set against the conflict between the old country folk of the Welsh hills, and the pioneers of the textile industry in the mid- nineteenth century. The relationship between the two main characters is an allegory of the relationship between nature and industry. The music is inspired both by the beauty of the Welsh countryside and the sounds of running water, and also by the intricate and fascinating rhythms of early industrial machinery, powered by the streams of the Ceredigion hills.
First performed at the Small Nations Festival last month, Merch y Felin is written for Celtic band, percussion orchestra and narrator.
Percussionist Justin Fellows will take a workshop just before the performance in which he will teach the rhythms of the spinning mule, devil, teaser, waterwheel and looms. Participants will then be welcome to join in, on djembes, congas, and other percussion, for sections of the performance and to experience the thrill of being at the centre of this historic machinery!
“ A deft weaving of melody, history, love, water, and machines!”
http://pontardawefestival.com/artists/article.php/20080806164332514