A POTENTIAL IRREPERABLE LOSS TO CARDIFF'S CULTURE
17th Century editions of Shakespeare!
Restoration plays not performed in over 300 years!
Rare Nahum Tate editions of Shakespeare, the ones that give King Lear a happy ending! Editions edited by Dr Johnson!
Shakespeare's source material, the Holinshed Chronicles, dating to the 16th century!
Earlier this year, Cardiff Shakespeare Readers, now members of the NTW, were alterted to a situation that bodes ill for the cultural life of Wales, and of Cardiff in particular. I refer to the proposed sale, at auction, of books, texts and documents, bequeathed to the people of Cardiff by Robert Keck, a barrister, in the 18th century. At the request of Adam Porter Timms, the founder of the CSR, I researched the documents from the information provided by the original lists. What I discovered made me angry and excited.
Under other conditions these may have passed by un-noticed, were it not for the fact that Cardiff Council, in the early days of the 20th century, had so much pride, and valued these so highly, they displayed them, twice, in open exhibition. Yet now they wish to sell them. Why? Because they are not Welsh. Why? To raise money for Cardiff Library.
I am not decrying the Library; it is a vital part of the cultural and educational life of this, and every town and city, but these documents are rare. They are originals. Cardiff University and other heritage organisations are also involved in keeping these in Cardiff, restoring those that need restoring and making them available for both academic and theatre study. There is enough, here, to attract academics, even to establishing a Drama centre to study thee plays; or a Drama Festival to give them an airing, and present alternative Shakespeare, the way it was presented during the Restoration.
Included in these is probably one of the most important editions; that of Lewis Theobald. It was he who reverted back to the original plays and presented them in the way we are most accustomed to hearing them. Yes, hearing; like Shakespearean audiences we hear plays, arguably more than see them.
What amazes me is the short-sightedness of the Council in even contemplating this move. Any short term financial gain would be swallowed up almost immediately in red tape and bureaucracy; whereas keeping them and using them, could have a knock on effect way into the future.
It is maybe not a coincidence that those behind this sale are those at present digging up Bute Park to provide a new access road for lorries. Or is that still a tree survey?
At present England has three Shakespearean Centres: Stratford, The Globe, and Birmingham University; possibly fourth if we include Warwick. Yet there is no such centre in Wales.
I was born in England, but have lived longer in Wales. To me it is vital that Wales, and Cardiff as its capital, displays to the world that it is not dragging its heels regarding its culture. And by culture I don't just mean Welsh culture; important though that is.
NTW is here to promote theatre in all its forms to the people of Wales; whether it is new writing or classical; or even rarities that are now in the hands of Cardiff City Council.
Theatre director Michael Bogdanov has become one of the main supporters of this campaign. But we need to make a noise about this in case the Council try and slip it under the wire, as they have before. Some have already gone. It is Cardiff's loss. Through this blog I am inviting everyone to visit the Cardiff Shakespeare Readers website: www.cardiff shakespearereaders.com and also the facebook pages; Stop the sale of Cardiff documents, or the CSR facebook page itself.
To say these documents, texts, plays etc, are not a part of Welsh Culture, is to say those dramatists are also not a part of it.
One argument has been put forward by the Councillor in charge of this, Nigel Howells, that Shakespeare texts are Shakespeare texts: period.
I think this shows how short-sighted some people can be.
I have attached to this the original lists, handed to us, that instigated the research. My results are on the CSR website.
If you think we're passionate about this - you're right. I think we all have to be - before our heritage is totally gone.
Restoration plays not performed in over 300 years!
Rare Nahum Tate editions of Shakespeare, the ones that give King Lear a happy ending! Editions edited by Dr Johnson!
Shakespeare's source material, the Holinshed Chronicles, dating to the 16th century!
Earlier this year, Cardiff Shakespeare Readers, now members of the NTW, were alterted to a situation that bodes ill for the cultural life of Wales, and of Cardiff in particular. I refer to the proposed sale, at auction, of books, texts and documents, bequeathed to the people of Cardiff by Robert Keck, a barrister, in the 18th century. At the request of Adam Porter Timms, the founder of the CSR, I researched the documents from the information provided by the original lists. What I discovered made me angry and excited.
Under other conditions these may have passed by un-noticed, were it not for the fact that Cardiff Council, in the early days of the 20th century, had so much pride, and valued these so highly, they displayed them, twice, in open exhibition. Yet now they wish to sell them. Why? Because they are not Welsh. Why? To raise money for Cardiff Library.
I am not decrying the Library; it is a vital part of the cultural and educational life of this, and every town and city, but these documents are rare. They are originals. Cardiff University and other heritage organisations are also involved in keeping these in Cardiff, restoring those that need restoring and making them available for both academic and theatre study. There is enough, here, to attract academics, even to establishing a Drama centre to study thee plays; or a Drama Festival to give them an airing, and present alternative Shakespeare, the way it was presented during the Restoration.
Included in these is probably one of the most important editions; that of Lewis Theobald. It was he who reverted back to the original plays and presented them in the way we are most accustomed to hearing them. Yes, hearing; like Shakespearean audiences we hear plays, arguably more than see them.
What amazes me is the short-sightedness of the Council in even contemplating this move. Any short term financial gain would be swallowed up almost immediately in red tape and bureaucracy; whereas keeping them and using them, could have a knock on effect way into the future.
It is maybe not a coincidence that those behind this sale are those at present digging up Bute Park to provide a new access road for lorries. Or is that still a tree survey?
At present England has three Shakespearean Centres: Stratford, The Globe, and Birmingham University; possibly fourth if we include Warwick. Yet there is no such centre in Wales.
I was born in England, but have lived longer in Wales. To me it is vital that Wales, and Cardiff as its capital, displays to the world that it is not dragging its heels regarding its culture. And by culture I don't just mean Welsh culture; important though that is.
NTW is here to promote theatre in all its forms to the people of Wales; whether it is new writing or classical; or even rarities that are now in the hands of Cardiff City Council.
Theatre director Michael Bogdanov has become one of the main supporters of this campaign. But we need to make a noise about this in case the Council try and slip it under the wire, as they have before. Some have already gone. It is Cardiff's loss. Through this blog I am inviting everyone to visit the Cardiff Shakespeare Readers website: www.cardiff shakespearereaders.com and also the facebook pages; Stop the sale of Cardiff documents, or the CSR facebook page itself.
To say these documents, texts, plays etc, are not a part of Welsh Culture, is to say those dramatists are also not a part of it.
One argument has been put forward by the Councillor in charge of this, Nigel Howells, that Shakespeare texts are Shakespeare texts: period.
I think this shows how short-sighted some people can be.
I have attached to this the original lists, handed to us, that instigated the research. My results are on the CSR website.
If you think we're passionate about this - you're right. I think we all have to be - before our heritage is totally gone.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Peter Cox MBE on
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Hi Stephen
Not sure if you're aware of a very active Wales based Shakespeare organisation up here in mid Wales.
They have two access points on this site. The Living Willow Theatre and Kama Roberts.
Their company name is Shakespeare Link and they do a range of Shakespeare related activity from community Shakespeare productions to youth theatre, residencies or working with older people etc...
They also have a growing Shakespeare library.
I am an ex Trustee of the company and I'm sure they would welcome any contact from you if it would help further your aims relating to your post and other aspects of your work.
Googling either of the above companay names will take you to their site and to their direct contacts.
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Permalink Reply by Stephen Alan Whitehead on
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No, Peter, I didn't know about this. Thanks a lot for the heads-up. I hope you've taken a quick look at the list I attached to the original blog posting. The results of my research are on the Cardiff Shakespeare Readers web pages. I guess this kind of kicks into touch any arguments that Shakespeare et al, don't have any Welsh relevance.
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Permalink Reply by Terry Victor on
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I have been in correspondence with my MP over this for some while, and in turn he has been addressing the issue with
COUNCILLOR NIGEL HOWELLS
EXECUTIVE MEMBER SPORT, LEISURE & CULTURE
That's how his name and title appear at the end of the two letters I have copies of: big bold capitals. Shakespeare, of course, is buried in the text: '... items initially identified for sale include Gould, Himalayas; Robert, Egypt & Nubia; Baskerville, Bible 1763; Lopez, Spain & Portugal; Shakespeare, Hamlet 1703.'
His first letter, dated over a year ago is headed Proposal To Dispose Of Historical Books From Cardiff Library. His disregard for the conventions of English is evident, the choice of 'historical' (relating to history) rather than 'historic' (important to history) tells it's own story. The only place that culture is mentioned is in his job title. No consideration is given to historical/historic worth or cultural value of the books other than in monetary terms: '... estimated that the cost of this [conservation] exceeds the value of the items held...'. Cllr Howells devotes a paragraph to dismissing the worth of the people who have protested that these books (for my part especially the Shakepeare volumes) as '...from academic institutions, researchers and individuals who refer to Higher and Education and research matters rather than "lay" Cardiff citizens.'
Cllr Howell's second letter, dated March this year, assures that the National Library of Wales '...has confirmed that the stock does not fall within their [sic] remit as it is not of Welsh origin or interest.' He explains that it is not the responsibility of libraries to house 'revered objects' and that, as Executive Member, he is 'obliged to achieve best value for the people of Cardiff in the disposal of any assets.'
Write to him at the job title above, Executive Office, Room 283, County Hall, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff CF10 4UW - and try not to sound as if you are educated: the "lay" way might just work. If it's not too late.
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Terry, many many thinks for your input.
Like so many I am far from being snobbish in this, I just love the works! I'm hoping, someday, to be an academic, I'm not there yet, but what does the Councillor mean by the average 'lay' Cardiff citizen?
Is it someone who works 9 -5, five days a week and has the weekend off to spend with the family? Is it someone who goes out every night, finally pissing it up against the wall?
Is it someone who ventures into the library and takes out a varied selection of fictional works, purely because they enjoy reading? Or is it a student who, by dint of sheer perseverance has made to University, or the RWCMD, and finds amongst these treasures, and I use the word deliberately, that something 'extra' that nails his dissertation?
Or is it someone who hangs around street corners, who thinks he has no hope for a decent future? Is it someone who, for no fault of their own, is now unemployed, but has a brain?
Or is it a councillor, who by his very arguments, displays an ignorance surpassed only by his propensity to shout louder and longer until he gets his own way?
'For he would drown the stage with tears, and cleave the general ear with horrid speech, make mad the guilty, and appal the free, counfound the ignorant, and amaze, indeed, the very faculties of eyes and ears' Hamlet: Act 2 Sc 2
As usual, although Councillor Howells may not know this, Shakespeare always had a word for it.
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