Tale of event that changed a nation

Oct 17 2008 Chester Chronicle

Half a century ago, an event occurred which did much to create modern-day Wales.

Liverpool Corporation decided that to meet projected population growth, a new reservoir was needed. The preferred site was the valley of Tryweryn, near Bala.

Thousands marched in opposition to the scheme, 35 out of 36 Welsh MPs voted against it, local protests surpassed anything seen before but all were ignored.

The result was that the village of Capel Celyn – farms, post office, school, chapel and even the cemetery – was lost for ever and now lies under the water, what is left appearing occasionally in years of drought.

These events, seen through the eyes of those who were there, are the focal point of Drowned Out (originally produced in Welsh last year under the title of Porth Y Byddar), a new play written by Manon Eames and directed by Tim Baker.

“I was still in school at the time and didn’t really understand what was going on but my parents were involved in the protest in 1965, when the official opening took place,” says actor Dyfan Roberts, whose family still lives in the area.

“I realise now that no-one had expected such a fierce, emotional protest. It had built up over the years. Its importance was striking, it went on to become a national issue and it was the impetus that resulted, a couple of years later, in Gwynfor Evans being elected the first Plaid Cymru MP.

“I play the part of Dafydd Roberts Cae Fadoc, a local farmer who found himself reluctantly leading the protest in the days when normal people didn’t protest, they took what was coming. They might have lost the cause then but thanks to him and people like him, it led to Wales being what it is today.

“What is important is that the story is true. We also show some of the apathy that existed – some people in Bala did not know or care what was happening. I have spoken to some, good, solid Welsh people, who just accepted what was happening because that was the way things were then. I doubt the same would happen today when people are more used to protests.

“Liverpool council has since formally apologised for what happened but we would like to see more. We had hoped that maybe with the status of European Capital of Culture, they would do something positive. There is still time.”

Drowned Out can be seen in the Anthony Hopkins Theatre at Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold, until November 6. Ring the box office on 0845 330 3565 or look at www.clwyd-theatr-cymru.co.uk