Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DYLAN THOMAS
Dylan Thomas is a towering figure in Welsh literature, one of those poets who seemed to embody what a poet
should be: chaotic, dramatic, drunk, tragic and comic. His work, although written in English, is of the bardic tra-
dition - written to be read aloud, thunderous, often humorous, with a lyrical sense that echoes the sound of the
Welsh voice.
Born in Swansea in 1914, he lived an itinerant life, shifting from town to town in search of cheap accommoda-
tion and to escape debt. He married Caitlin Macnamara (a former dancer, and lover of Augustus John) in 1936,
but had numerous infamous affairs. Margaret Thomas, who was married to the historian AJP Taylor, was one of
his admirers and paid his Boathouse rent (mysteriously enough, AJP detested him). His dramatic inclinations
sometimes spilt over into real life: during a stay in New Quay he was shot at by a jealous local captain.
Thomas was also a promiscuous pub-goer, honing the habit that eventually killed him in an astonishing number
of taverns. By 1946 he had become an immense commercial success, making regular book tours to America, but
his marriage was suffering. In December 1952 his father died - his failing health had inspired one of Thomas'
most resonant poems
Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night
. Less than a year later, a period of depression
while in New York ended in a heavy drinking spell, and he died shortly after his 39th birthday.
Whether you're a fan, or whether you're just interested to know what all the fuss is about, you'll find plenty of
sites in Swansea to stalk the shade of the maverick poet and writer. When you've exhausted them all, you can al-
ways head on to Laugharne.
Start at the Dylan Thomas Centre and then check out his statue gazing across the marina outside the Dylan
Thomas Theatre. In Uplands, a plaque marks his birthplace, an unassuming terraced house where he wrote two-
thirds of his poetry.
Perhaps the places where you're most likely to feel his presence are his beloved drinking haunts, which include
No Sign Bar, Queen's Hotel and Uplands Tavern.
Festivals & Events
Swansea Bay
SUMMER FESTIVAL
Summer Festival
(
www.swanseabayfestival.co.uk
)
From May to September, the waterfront from the city round to
the Mumbles is taken over by a smorgasbord of shows, fun fairs, carnivals, music, exhibi-
tions, children's events and smaller festivals. Listen out for the legendary Morriston Orph-
eus Choir.
Swansea Festival of
Music & the Arts
(
www.swanseafestival.org
;
Oct)
Concerts, drama, lectures and exhibitions are staged in five
city venues during the first three weeks of October. The Welsh National Opera and the
BBC National Orchestra of Wales may feature, as well as international companies.
ARTS
Dylan Thomas Festival
LITERATURE
