CAREER BOOST FOR WRITERS AT THE DYLAN THOMAS BIRTHPLACE

Two writers from the Swansea Bay area will have a great chance to develop their writing skills with the announcement today of the new position of the Dylan Thomas Birthplace Versifier in Residence. The term Versifier has its origins in the 14th century and not only means someone who writes poetry but prose in its broadest sense.

Dylan has been considered as a prime example of a versifier as he not only wrote poetry but lyrical prose of which is famous radio play for voices Under Milk Wood is the most well known example. The Birthplace Versifiers in Residence will play a key role in developing the Birthplace’s audience for literature and highlighting it as the focal point of the year long Dylan Thomas celebration in 2014.

The Birthplace was where Dylan lived for 23 years and wrote two thirds of his published work in his tiny bedroom but during the development of his work Dylan was aided by friends and family and similarly this is an opportunity for a poet and writer based in the Swansea Bay region at an early point in their career.

During the Dylan Thomas centenary year two residencies will be created with Residency One for the period March to June 2014 and Residency Two for the period June to September 2014. During October and November 2014 the two Versifiers will join forces to work together in the period around the anniversary of Dylan’s 100th birthday (27th October).

The successful candidates will reside in the Swansea Bay area and will likely be writers at the start of a career although this does notnecessarily mean a young writer as there is no upper age limit. The Versifier will be expected to produce work that comes out of the experience which can include organising events and performing in the Birthplace, local schools and community organisations.

The programme for each Versifier will be geared to their own particular skills or skills that they wish to develop and could involve organising new literary events such as a poetry breakfast or story telling tea parties.

Further information from www.5cwmdonkindrive.com/versifier.php Applications close 14th February with the first appointment starting at the beginning of March.

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