User:Cynnydd/siwan

Siwan is a play written in the Welsh language by Saunders Lewis, first produced in 1956. The first English language translation appeared in 1960. The English translation of the play is also known as 'The King of England’s Daughter'.

The play is centred on Joan, Lady of Wales, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England and her marriage to Llywelyn the Great. It is set at the royal home Garth Celyn at Easter in 1230. In the play William de Braose, a young Marcher Lord, is discovered with Siwan in Llywelyn's bedchamber. De Braose is hanged for adultery at the foot of Garth Celyn.

In Saunders Lewis earlier work including the play Blodeuwedd (1948), he had been increasingly using the themes and characters of Welsh myths and historical events as the inspiration for his work. He continued the use of medieval romantic themes with Siwan which also deals with adultery, but in contrast to Blodeuwedd involves reconciliation, forgiveness, and marital harmony.

Siwan together with Blodeuwedd are considered as the 'canonical examples of Welsh language drama' (Llewellyn-Jones, 2002) and are regularly performed in Welsh theatres and on Welsh language radio and television.

As noted above the play is based on historical fact, and the correspondance between Llywelyn and De Braose's widow Eva is preserved in the Public Record Office.

Reference
Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones, Trasidei Gymraeg: Is there a Classical Tradition in Welsh Language Drama?