Rheon Jones, Olga King Cooper Hoier, and Lisa Thomas
Picture -- Shirley McKee
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Based on actual events, this fast-paced play was researched, written with the assistance of contemporary Welsh playwright Ian Rowlands, and presented by the 10 exchange students from Trinity College in Carmarthen, Wales to the University of Rio Grande.
Seven of the group, Performing Arts students, Martina Davies, Ifan Gwilym-Jones, Rheon Jones, Rhian Jones, Sian Price, Gareth Roberts, and Lisa Thomas, wrote the play based on the events surrounding the decision by Patriarch John Jones Tirbach of Cilcinnen’s Ship Inn to immigrate with his extended family to Paddy’s Run, in southwestern Ohio, to meet with other Welsh who had left Wales for better lives.
The play traces the events from the early arguments for and against the trip, through the rigors of the ship’s voyage and the hazardous river raft journey, to the arrival of the first Welsh families in southeastern Ohio in 1818. The separation of two lovers is also documented in this touching account of a promise kept by William Williams, whose family did not leave with the rest. The soundtrack is a blend of traditional Welsh hymns and American folk music.
The remaining three performers were Media students, Carys Davies, Sian Evans and Nia James, who also filmed a documentary about the entire exchange experience.
Jeanne Jones Jindra and Donna Boyce
“New Worlds” was performed in Granville on Sunday, April 6, 2008, at the First Presbyterian Church. The event was co-sponsored by the Welsh Society of Central Ohio and the Granville Historical Society.
When WSCO members heard stories about the play and how wonderful the Trinity exchange students were and how well they sang, plans were put into motion by the board to find a performance location “closer to home.” A number of people who wanted to see the play were not able to manage the drive back to the Columbus area from the University of Rio Grande campus after an evening performance.
Board member Stacy Evans, working with WSCO member Maggie Brooks and members of the Granville community, was able to secure a site and started the ball rolling for a post-performance reception. Ken Evans, WSCO president, stepped in to help Stacy with the reception plans. Requests went out for food donations and publicity went out about the performance.
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Rheon Jones, Olga King Cooper Hoier, and Lisa Thomas Picture -- Shirley McKee |
A highlight of the day occurred when the students met a lovely lady, Olga King Cooper Hoier, born in Brithdir in the Rhymna Valley of Wales, who had heard of the play at the last minute and decided to “come see the Welsh students.” It was a poignant sight to see the tears of joy in Olga’s eyes as she heard the beautiful sounds of “Hen Wlad” sung by the Welsh students and attendees who rose to join in the singing. Student Lisa Thomas felt that this moment brought her Welsh-American experience full-circle when she realized how many people in this country love Wales.
From the editor: Diolch yn fawr to WSCO members who worked on the arrangements; to the church for allowing the use of their lovely sanctuary, kitchen and reception hall; to the Granville Historical Society for sharing the cost; to Jeanne for all the work on her end getting the students and props to Granville; and to the Trinity students for agreeing to let WSCO pack one more performance into their busy, busy schedule. To those of you who didn’t make it to a performance, you missed the opportunity for a wonderful, exhilarating experience.
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The students sang a number of tunes in Welsh at the reception after the performance of “New Worlds” in Granville, Ohio, April 6, 2008. Picture -- Tegwyn Lantz
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