Go Tell The Bees

Planet Earth is in crisis. Digitally, we are more plugged in than ever before, yet so many of us talk of an increasing sense of disconnect from others and the natural world around us…

The idea of sharing important community and family news with bees is rooted across the folklore and mythological traditions of Wales and across the world. The story goes that, whenever we fail to do so, the bees will leave their hives and disappear from our area…

Over the last four years NTW TEAM has been embedded in the communities of Pembrokeshire, exploring the key things that matter most for the people of the county.  Having decided on climate change and the environment as the most urgent issue, Go Tell The Bees is the community’s co-created response – a bold new work that redefines the way in which theatre is made while telling a universal story of our human connection to nature and to each other. 

We’ve made our sunflowers, created our stories and talked to the bees. Now, with a few simple acts we can change how we interact with our environment, and how we interact with each other. Our next mission, as part of Go Tell the Bees, asks each one of us to perform seven Simple Acts in our daily lives.

Click on the images below for more ideas and inspiration on each Simple Act.

Developed in collaboration with Counterpoints Arts. Supported by Little Green Grant and Bluestone Foundation.

What will you tell the bees?

Queen Bee has a message for us humans, a message to help us restore the balance with nature.

In times past, us humans saw bees as a connection to our ancestors and to mother nature; in Celtic tradition, they were the messengers between our world & the spirit realm and so we used to tell the bees our news through stories, through poetry and through art in order for the bees to remain close-by.  We knew that without them, we would lose everything.

National Theatre Wales are now inviting you to once again tell the bees your stories, your news, to help keep them near. How do you connect with nature? What lessons have you learned from your ancestors? What are your hopes for the future? What is your message to the bees?

When you have created your message, send it to us via this form

Once we have collected your songs, your stories, your poetry and your videos we will incorporate them in our show Go Tell The Bees, which is taking place in Pembroke and Manorbier in 2021. We’ll also use some of them online on our website and social media over the next 12 months – keep an eye out for yours!

You made sunflowers, wore face paint, put on brightly coloured clothing, danced and celebrated for our Virtual Procession. If we really want to understand our place in nature, we need to stop and take a breath. Hear the birds, the trees, watch the flowers bloom and listen to the sea with the latest activities as part of Go Tell the Bees.

Storyteller Phil Okwedy takes you through a series of five stories, each with their own activities for you to complete at home.

Explore the power of the imagination and of story and remember – it only takes a little imagination to help change the world.

The content of story two contains themes that some may find upsetting. It may be a good idea for parents, guardians or teachers to watch this section first before sharing with their children or pupils in order that they may be prepared for any questions that may arise as a result of this story.

COMMUNITY CREATION…

This summer we had hoped to be letting our imaginations run riot with the people of Pembrokeshire on their beautiful beaches, mountains, forests, castles and towns, shaping and creating the live production this autumn. We still will… just not yet. 

For now, it’s time to re-think and to approach things differently and we want you to help us.  Over the coming weeks, we’ll be announcing a series of special creative missions for all the family to do together, to help us prepare for the celebration….it’s time to act.  Come and create, make, discuss and explore with us.

Go Tell The Bees will be shared over the course of a weekend against a magical Pembrokeshire backdrop; a festival-style celebration of creation between National Theatre Wales TEAM, Counterpoint Arts and local communities, offering the chance to come together in recognition of our connection to each other and the natural world we share. 

IN RESPONSE TO NOW… 

We know that at the moment, the idea of large gatherings of people comes with a conflicting mesh of hope and anticipation, uncertainty and anxiety. Like all things to do with our approach to Go Tell the Bees, we will be taking the lead from the community. Even when it is deemed safe to be in an outdoor space together again, we will be working with you to decide whether it feels right to be.

We will be using all our opportunities to connect with how people feel about this through our R&D activities this summer and will keep you posted about our planning around the Festival weekend all along the way…

Creative Team – Video