Welsh language children’s story transformed into wintry wonderland experience

Dawns y Ceirw is the enchanting story of a lonely reindeer called Carw.

It’s Christmas Eve and everyone in the village is snuggled up at home. Nobody notices the lonely little deer left outside in the cold...

While playing alone in the snow, Carw longs for warmth and kindness. Suddenly, a shimmering little light appears! Although he hasn’t ventured far from his village before, Carw follows the little light on a magical adventure through the forest where he finds the love and strength within.

Written and performed by Casi Wyn, this enchanting new show will bring magic, music and dance to young audiences across Wales this winter.

Dawns y Ceirw was created as an animation for S4C and broadcast on Christmas Eve in 2020. Now more young audiences and their families will be able to experience a short live performance of this mesmerising story.

The author, Casi Wyn herself, will perform live as narrator and she will also perform original music which she was composed specially for the production. Casi is a familiar face to Welsh people of all ages as a singer, composer, and in her role as Wales’s Welsh-language Children’s Poet Laureate 2022-2023.

"It's a real pleasure and honor to be part of the first ever co-production between National Dance Company Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. I can't wait to share this brand new fairytale with Welsh audiences - and to do so surrounded by such a passionate team."

Joining her onstage are two stars of the Welsh dance scene: Osian Meilir, a dancer and choreographer whose work includes the internationally renowned Qwerin, and Sarah ‘Riz’ Golden, a regular performer with National Dance Company Wales.

This is the first collaboration between National Dance Company Wales and Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru. Since joining Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru in 2022, Steffan has nurtured the artistic development of creatives and freelancers across the country through various projects, as well as directing several shows, including Rhinoseros, which was listed in The Stage’s Top 50 Shows of 2023 and most recently Fy Enw i yw Rachel Corrie.  Becoming artistic director of NDCWales in 2021, Matthew has developed bold artistic collaborations, projects and programmes for the company. With a rich artistic profile, the company proudly reflects contemporary Wales on a global stage.

As the co-directors of this spellbinding show for children, Steffan and Matthew are bringing a talented creative team together. Dawns y Ceirw’s mysterious wintry world will come to life on stage through the vision of Set and Costume Designer Tomás Palmer (Dreaming and Drowning, Blue Mist). Tomás’ magical designs will be supported by lighting design from Joshie Harriette and sound design from Alex Comana, creating a spellbinding experience which will be sure to stay in viewers’ minds for some time.

 “Casi Wyn’s beautiful writing ignited this brilliant collaboration. I cannot wait to share Dawns y Ceirw with audiences across Wales.” Matthew William Robinson, NDCWales Artistic Director.

Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Steffan Donnelly said:

“Collaboration is at the heart of how we make theatre and it’s a pleasure to collaborate with another national company on this production. I can’t wait to get started in the rehearsal room with Casi, Matthew and the rest of the gang where there’ll be plenty of singing, dancing, and devising. We have so many exciting ideas in store for you – a dreamlike tale, inspirational singing, and visual surprises - and I can’t wait for young audiences across the country to step into this world.”

Young audiences can also enjoy the opportunity to experience the show beyond the theatre. Sian Elin James, Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru’s Participation Coordinator, will lead a series of workshops in schools across Wales with creatives from the production. Music, movement, and creative writing will be the focus of these workshops, offering children across Wales a deeper insight into the show and its themes. 

Dawns y Ceirw will open at the Dance Company’s home at Tŷ Dawns, Cardiff, on 21 November before touring Wales until 6 December. BSL interpreted performances with Cathryn McShane will take place on 27 November at Barry Memo Arts Centre and on 5 December at Galeri Caernarfon.

Dawns y Ceirw is aimed at children aged 5 – 9 and their families.

Running time: 45 minutes