Gwthio’r Ffiniau
In 2024, Bethan received a Research and Deveopment grant from the Arts Council of Wales to explore the boundaries of Welsh folk music and my Welsh identity from a female perspective. In Gwthio’r Ffiniau (Pushing the boundaries), Bethan worked at YMa Pontypridd with choreographer and dancer, Jen Angharad, and musicians Lucy Rivers and Meg Cox to explore these themes, taking Bethan back to her theatrical roots. The project explored also creative ways of playing the harp. The research piece was performed at the National Eisteddfod in Pontypridd that year to a packed audience.
Brethyn
In 2026 Bethan received a second R&D grant to build on the first project, introducing words and a story to the piece. The project ‘Brethyn’ (Welsh wool cloth) is an exploration of the patterns carried down through generations and culture, both positive and negative - Seen through a neurodiverse lens, it explored Bethan’s story and connection to culture and Welsh music. The piece was directed by Lucy Rivers, with musicians Meg Cox, Misha Jardine, Sam Humphries, choreographer and dancer Aleks Jones with clog dance choreographed by Huw Williams.
Y Gadair
Y Gadair (The Chair) is a dance theatre piece by disabled dancer and performer Rhys Miles Thomas. It explores questions around the most prestigious ceremony at the National Eisteddfod - the chairing of the bard, and how that highly prestigious prize, the chair is viewed in society, in contrast to someone with a disability and how the wheelchair is sidelined and shunned. Bethan provides live harp and effects during for the performance.
