OLION brought the legend of Arianrhod from the depths of the Mabinogi to the modern day.

In an innovative feat of storytelling, the OLION trilogy unfolded via a live theatre stage show, a site-specific journey across the streets of Bangor, North Wales, a community festival and a short film.

Rees’ role was visual dramaturg across the whole project and Co-director of Part II Yr Isfyd / The Underworld with Gethin Evans and Anthony Matsena.

Part I: Arianrhod
Pontio, Bangor, North Wales

A live theatre show that reimagines the drowning of Caer Arianrhod.

The fortress is alive with hedonism, sex and spirituality as Arianrhod and her tribe of runaways prepare for a solar eclipse that promises to leave the pain of war behind and give way to a new age of light. But in that fateful moment of complete darkness when the moon covers the sun, they endure unspeakable violence and betrayal.

As Arianrhod continues to resist the demands of her ruling family, she triggers a devastating supernatural storm that sinks her fortress to the depths of the ocean.

Thousands of years later and her descendants are still hiding in fear on the ocean’s bed. Will they ever be tempted to leave and experience the forbidden land above for themselves?

Fusing live theatre, dance and music, this is a fierce story of one fateful night that reverberates through generations.

Part II: The Underworld
Bangor Pier (and other locations)

Arianrhod’s descendants emerge from the water but will they be welcomed with open arms? Or will their fears of what humanity is capable of become a reality?

Scenes will unfold across Bangor as dramatic confrontations and a thrilling rescue transforms into a celebration of difference, the acceptance of grief and the triumph of joy.

Credits

Images by Craig Fuller