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2016 – 2026 Ten years of Dark Olive — revisiting fifteen projects, one a week
Heuldro

Heuldro

Myths, music and monuments

Role
Stage Management
Location
Bryn Celli Ddu, Anglesey, North Wales
With
Tin Shed Theatre Company / Cadw
Date
June 2022
The Tin Shed Theatre Co. identity - a black outline of a shed roof over an orange circle, beside the company name

We stage managed a site specific solstice arts festival at the ancient Celtic burial chamber, Bryn Celli Ddu

Bryn Celli Ddu – the Mound in the Dark Grove – is probably the best-known prehistoric monument on Anglesey, and is one of the most evocative archaeological sites in Britain. Like other prehistoric tombs on Anglesey it was constructed to protect and pay respect to the remains of the ancestors.

Bryn Celli Ddu at sunset, the mound crowned with thatched forms and flanked by speaker stacks, the stone circle picked out in low light

What sets Bryn Celli Ddu apart from the other tombs is that it is accurately aligned to coincide with the rising sun on the longest day of the year. At dawn on midsummer solstice, shafts of light from the rising sun penetrate down the passageway to light the inner burial chamber.

Created as a collaborative arts experience between Cadw, Tin Shed Theatre Company, Arts Council Wales, Tactile Bosch, Galeri Caernarfon, Oriel Môn, and Manchester Metropolitan University, the project was a bilingual, outdoor art event that sought to interrogate landscape, ritual, and the celebration of archaeology through creative interpretation.

The mound at blue hour, the thatched structures lit from below and the passage entrance glowing green

The day was filled with demonstrations of neolithic flint knapping, weaving and basket making, as well as Kristoffer Hughes who is Chief of the Anglesey Druid Order. This was topped by an evening live performance on top of the burial chamber with immersive soundscapes and a live performance from international artist, Gwenno, and emerging artist and Green Man Rising Winner of 2021, Teddy Hunter.

Gwenno performing on top of the burial chamber, arms raised between two thatched forms
Gwenno
Gwenno at her keyboards in a golden sunburst headdress, ferns banked around the stand
Gwenno

We have worked with many cultural organisations and local authorities. What really stood out for us about Tin Shed Theatre Company is that they really get what community is and not only are they fantastic creative producers, but also put a lot of thought and energy into the engagement aspect. We were so well looked after and came away feeling really valued.

HEULDRO at Bryn Celli Ddu · a film by Ffilm Bach & Mawr

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