More than 300 pupils from different Cornish schools filled the Plen an Gwari in St Just recently to take part in an hour-long performance of live theatre.
The event, watched by teachers, some parents and a handful of supporters and intrigued onlookers was the culmination of an educational programme led by bard Will Coleman, Pednithan, of Golden Tree Productions, which has been researching Cornish Plenys an Gwari sites, or playing places, to celebrate Cornwall’s theatrical heritage.
Will Coleman, Pednithan, captures words from one of the players
The impressive final event, based on the Ordinalia cycle of miracle plays brought together the results of workshops in music, acting, props and theatre craft and re-created the story of of Adam and Eve, the building of Noah’s ark and the defeat of the English army by the Cornish.
The battle scene at St Just Plen an Gwari
Students came from all around Cornwall to take part – St Buryan, Goonhavern, Cubert, Constantine, Perranporth, Kea, Marazion, St Erme, Alverton, Penryn and from two local schools, St Just and Cape Cornwall.
With music by Dalla, led by bards Hilary Coleman, Attamyores and Neil Davey, Gov Tonyow and a very convincing voiceover of the devil by bard Pol Hodge, Mab Stenak Vur the whole performance was a delight and gave a good idea of how a spectacle such as a miracle play might have looked like in times past, and all helped along by marvellous weather.
What a day. Well done all! You really are “Doing Something for Cornwall!”
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