Clwyd Theatr Cymru Theatre for Young People

'The Spirit of the Mimosa'
A new play for 7 – 11 year olds by award winning writer and director Tim Baker

On the 28th May, 1865, during the Victorian era, the clipper The Mimosa slipped slowly out of Albert Dock in Liverpool. Her destination was Patagonia, two months and three continents away, and her cargo was the entire possessions, hopes, dreams, religion and language of the 167 Welsh men and women who were travelling to build a new life. They had been promised an idyll in which to build a new Wales. The reality was very different.

The Patagonia story is the most famous migration in Welsh history, and against huge odds and desperate conditions, these brave migrants succeeded in creating a Welsh speaking community which still exists and thrives today, over 7,000 miles away. The trip in 1865 had been organised by a passionate Welshman, Edwin Cynrig Roberts, from Cilcain in Flintshire.

Tim Baker is writing a new play based on this incredible story, and we are inviting schools across North East Wales to take part in this project which involves connections with young people and communities in Patagonia today. The most comprehensive account of the whole journey is Elvey Macdonald’’s ‘Yr Hirdaith’. Elvey was born in Patagonia and is descended directly from Edwin Roberts, and has agreed to be historical adviser to this ambitious project.

This project promises to be a fascinating theatrical journey for its audiences, taking place in a specially constructed theatre space at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, as well as a stimulating way for young people to discover aspects of the History curriculum.
 
“A wonderful production, which really brought to life our history topic.
An excellent performance…” (Flora’s War, Ysgol Sychdyn)

This project involves a WHOLE DAY VISIT to Clwyd Theatr Cymru, starting at 9.45am and finishing at 2.30pm which includes a 1 hour 15 minute performance and a practical two-hour drama workshop. Welsh language workshops will be available on Tuesdays 14th, 21st and 28th June.  
 
 
The project is available from Tuesday 7th June to Friday 1st July 2011 and costs only £6.00 per child. To make a booking, please contact the box office on 0845 330 3565 or for further information contact Nerys Edwards on 01352 701575 or email education@clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk, education@clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk