THIS year is the 50th anniversary of the untimely demise of the talented Dylan Thomas, and many of his works will be performed during the year in his memory. His play for voices 'Under Milk Wood' is, perhaps, the most widely recognised of his published work and it has an unique connection with Tenby.
The first performance was given by Dylan Thomas on May 14, 1953, in New York, but after his return to Laugharne he carried out some revision and on September 3, 1953, he presented the latest version of 'Under Milk Wood' to an audience from the Tenby Arts Club at the Salad Bowl (now Ocean Haze) on the Forecroft. A few weeks later he left for a tour of the United States where he died in New York on November 9, 1953. Thus, Tenby has a strong claim to being the venue of the first public performance of the final version of the play.
Some 30 years ago the Tenby Players presented 'Under Milk Wood' under the direction of Barbara Fisher and there have been repeat performances, almost annually, since then.
In recognition of the anniversary year the core cast members, Laurie Dale, Sue Eynon, John Bevan, John Morgan, Andrew Rees and Pauline Allen, with recent addition Judy Morgan, decided to revive the production once again. The 'usual suspects' sought and have received from Samuel French Ltd. special permission for an amateur production under the banner of First Generation Players.
The play 'Under Milk Wood' will be presented at the De Valence on five consecutive Tuesdays commencing on September 2, and on Sunday, September 7, in Pembroke as part of the Pembroke festival. Tickets will be sold at the door and, once again, all profits will be donated to charity.