National Poet of Wales, Hanan Issa, and former National Poet and the source of our building’s iconic inscription, Gwyneth Lewis, came together to talk words, inspiration and legacy.
With days to go until the architectural plans were heading to the builders, Gwyneth Lewis wrote the iconic words that would forever be emblazoned across our building. In this exclusive interview with Hanan Issa she discusses how the building itself provided inspiration, alongside Wales’s industrial past and a mythical cauldron from the Mabinogion.
“It’s a great relief that I haven’t regretted a single letter.”
Gwyneth Lewis
Find out more about the inscription’s design, and how it can be read from left to right as one bilingual text. Marvel at Gwyneth’s ability to write these timeless words in one weekend and enjoy these two great poets discussing the puzzle of creating this now iconic inscription, which continues to stand the test of time 20 years later.
WATCH THE FULL INTERVIEW
Did you know that it’s 20 years since we first opened our doors? So much has happened in the past two decades – from welcoming the very best West End shows and touring productions, to firing imaginations across the country with our own programme of productions, community events and festivals.
As we celebrate this exciting milestone, we look back to where it all began, and the awe-inspiring design of our building, and forward to a bright future as the much-loved home for the arts in Wales.
The National Poet of Wales initiative is run by Literature Wales.
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