Creative Studies students from Derwen College were proud to be part of a celebratory performance at this year’s Llangollen Eisteddfod.
The Llangollen Eisteddfod celebrated 10 years of its Inclusion Project with the commission of a brand new performance piece, SEND A Message, which was performed on 4th July.
The project, which promotes harmony and accessibility for all within the performing arts, celebrated its tenth year with a performance piece written by poet Aled Lewis Evans and composer Owain Llwyd.
The college’s Derwen on Tour (DOT) group, which performs Makaton sign, song and dance performances and workshops, worked alongside children from St Christopher’s School in Wrexham, Ysgol Tir Morfa in Rhyl, Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn in Denbighshire, and the Theatretrain Regional Choir in Mold. SEND A Message promotes the idea of spreading love and peace via music, song and dance and showcases a range of diverse talent from across Wales.
Each group represents an assorted mix of members of the local community who would not usually have the opportunity to perform at international events such as the Llangollen Eisteddfod. With many participants actively overcoming different challenges and managing a range of physical disabilities, special educational needs and mental health issues in order take part in the Inclusion Project; members of the group represent a gamut of local society.
Music Director of the International Eisteddfod, Vicky Yannoula, said: “As an organisation renowned for welcoming a multitude of global visitors, year-on-year, the Inclusion Project is something which is close to everyone’s heart here at the Llangollen Eisteddfod.”
Speaking of Derwen College’s involvement in the Inclusion Project, Maryanne Evans, said: “This is such an exciting opportunity for the students at Derwen College. Being able to be a part of such an amazing festival is a real privilege!”
SEND A Message was composed by Owain Llwyd and the performance has been choreographed by Angharad Harrop, with Leslie Churchill Ward as Artistic Coordinator.
See the Getting to Know you session with DOT and Ysgol Tir Morfa on YouTube https://youtu.be/2z_o_SW92Fo
