Friday, March 20, 2015 Follow us on Twitter @Argus_The Guide In The Spotlight


WHEN I picked up my nine- year-old son from school re- cently, I was struck by what I found, a miniature version of the Fame academy, albeit a Welsh speaking one. There were groups of


youngsters gathered round a piano, singing in two parts, being put through their paces. Numerous others practised recitations: “more facial expression”, “don’t rush”, “project your voice to the back of the hall” – a se- ries of instructions from ear- nest teachers. Spring is a busy time in


Welsh schools. This is the time of the Urdd Eisteddfod. The Urdd is, so I’m reliably informed, the largest youth organisation of its type in the world, and plays an im- portant role in propagating the Welsh language and its culture. The Urdd Eisteddfod


is a large event – one of three such festivals held annually in Wales. The International Eisteddfod occurs in Llan- gollen in June and welcomes performers from around the world; the National Eistedd- fod is peripatetic, occurs in the first week of August and is a mecca of the Welsh lan- guage, many make the pil- grimage here annually, the Urdd Eisteddfod is smaller in scale but is fully televised and attracts big crowds. Unlike the others it is the climax of a series of earlier rounds, a sort of cultural pyramid, a bit like the Euro- vision Song Contest but with talent and no tactical voting! To reach the final stage of


the eisteddfod will often re- quire success in the school eisteddfod followed by the Eisteddfod Gylch (area ei- steddfod) where there will be


a preliminary round (often featuring very large num- bers) followed by a final for the best three. Then the same arduous process at the Coun- ty eisteddfod before reaching the final event. The boy is to sing in a group


and to recite a poem. The set poem for his age group is a light-hearted ditty called Taid – all about grandad whose life is transformed when he buys a trampoline. I knew my son was taking it seriously when I overheard him perfecting his declama- tion while in the shower. One line in particular was repeated over and over until he achieved the desired ef- fect. Anyone who visited our house in the week prior to the Eisteddfod Gylch was also treated to a performance. Not having been to one of these events before I was


Culture By


GERAINT DAVIES


Third in the Urdd but not quite good enough


alarmed to know that it in- volved an 8am start on a Sat- urday and when we finally arrived at Llanwern High School the car park was grid- locked with eager partici- pants. In the prelims it was stand-


ing room only as the 18 youngsters brought grand- father’s antics to life. I was more nervous than the boy as he went on first and nailed it. But so did the 17 others. Then the result – he was through. Maybe that session in the shower made the difference. Euphoria. The final was anybody’s


but only the first two would go through. It wasn’t to be and he came in third. Oh the highs and lows of outrageous fortune! Another life lesson learnt: it’s not about winning but the taking part. If only I could say that as if I meant it.


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NatioNaltheatreWales outofJoiNt&arcola theatre With /gyda shermaN cymru


crouch touch Pause eNgage


Written by / Wedi’i ysgrifennu gan


Robin SoanS


directed by / Wedi’i gyfarWyddo gan


MaxStaffoRd-ClaRk 24.03.2015 — 25.03.2015


7.30Pm &1Pm matiNee 25.03.2015 the coliseum, aberdare /ycolisëWm, aberdÂr 08000 147 111


26.03.2015 &28.03.2015


7.30Pm &1.30Pm matiNee 28.03.2015 soNy theatre, bridgeNd college / theatr soNy, coleg PeNyboNt 029 2064 6900


#ntwalfie


buy online/ PrynWcH arlein nationaltheatRewaleS.oRg tickets /tocynnau £6.00 -£13 +bookingfee /ffi bwCio


audio described and oPen caPtioned Performances available/mae Perfformiadau gyda disgrifiad sain acHaPsiynau ar gael


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