Annual Raymond Williams Memorial Lecture 2017 | Michael Sheen
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- čas přidán 17. 11. 2017
- It’s a real honour to be able to speak to you here in this building so full of history and indeed this town that holds such a special place within the story of Wales.
And it is with a great deal of humility that I stand before you today to deliver a lecture that bears the name of Raymond Williams.
His brilliance, his insight and his compassion make his writing as powerful and as illuminating today as it has ever been.
In preparation for today I went over much of what he wrote specifically about Wales and Welsh identity and culture, not necessarily what his international reputation has been based upon, and it has been absolutely fascinating.
In his piece ‘Welsh Culture’, written in 1975, he wrote, ”The feeling for the past is more than a fancy, but it’s how past and present relate that tells in a culture.”
And it is exactly his grasp of that relationship between our past and our present here in Wales, and the challenges we face in exploring concepts like identity and nationhood, that is for me both inspiring and, in these particular circumstances, arse-shakingly intimidating.
So, I’ll begin with the only thing I feel I have any kind of authority to be able to stand here and speak to you about, which is - myself.
My own personal experience.
Raymond Williams Lecture organised by Learning and Work Institute Wales, presented by Michael Sheen.
Website: www.learningandwork.wales/
Twitter: / learnworkcymru
Utterly in awe. I admire Michael Sheen tremendously. Not Welsh, nor even British myself, and yet, so mesmerized and inspired by this speech. What a beautiful soul, what a brilliant mind, what a kind person he is! And what an exquisite actor! So glad to be alive in times like this, when I can watch his films and listen to his speeches and interviews. ❤ Thank you, Wales, for giving such a grand man to the world!
A child in the Rhondda valleys, given a blue white and red flag to wave, as the big black car negotiated it weary way through Treorchy. An older child, joining in with his peers, ribbing the kids from the Welsh school, the Welsh speakers, the 'welshies'. .........
The 'welshies' .... calling them that, in my own country, my own language .....
....my own people.
Only learning of Welsh history out of my own curiosity. None taught in school.
An absolute masterclass of political and social indoctrination.
I'm an Indian woman who grew up and and lives in Australia. This was mesmerising. Such a powerful, eloquent essay! Have long felt a powerful sense of love for Wales and Welsh. This just makes me wish I was Welsh even more! Thank you, Michael Sheen, and all the Welsh past and present who worked/work so hard to resist and overcome colonisation!
Not Welsh or British but I was absolutely spellbound. MS is a treasure.
Absolutely brilliant, this speech should be part of the Welsh national curriculum
I'm American. I'm just barely learning about issues that Welsh people are having. What's going on?! Do Welsh people really feel a sense of otherness?
@@okaminess of course, we, along with the Cornish, Scottish, Manx and Irish are the original Brittons, we are along with the Bretons, are Celtic, Great Britain is a corruption of Grand Bretagne, Large Brittany, we are not English, although my paternal grandmother came from over the border in the Forest of Dean.
@@davidharris1562 Thanks for teaching me something new. :) I am interested in the history of Wales and culture of the Welsh people.
@@davidharris1562
@@okaminess
Without a doubt the best two hours I've ever spent on CZcams
I can not believe how good this is. Fantastic to see there is such articulate energy for Welsh freedom. Solidarity from an Irishman
mi’m oomooiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii ppl
As an Englishman, I loved this. Welsh history does not get taught much in English schools (surprise), ans so this speech was also a good introduction. It seems that meanness and political incompetence has played too large a part in Welsh history. It is time for better things.
It doesn't get taught in schools in Wales either
This is without a doubt one of the best lectures I have watched recently, possibly ever. Thank you for uploading this.
He's absolutely spot on! It's only when you leave Wales, that you realise what it is to be Welsh, to understand, and appreciate the culture we have, the community, sense of belonging, the longing to return... HIRAETH.
Impassioned, eloquent, incredibly important and powerful speech. As a Scot, I wish we had such an advocate with this kind of platform.
As an Englishman subjugated to the current government, I wish we did too.
We need an advocate because we’re our in worst enemy, we refuse to get on or change to spite ourselves. Trust me, nothing changes I once hoped it would but less and less changes. Councillors are the same people for 40 years unless you’re in you can’t get anything and if you rattle the cage you’ll be very sorry to the point of abuse.
As an irishman, this was a fascinating and enthralling lecture.
Spellbinding and educational
Superb speech, so well written and exceptionally delivered. Love from Ireland.
It's been said that history is written by the victors. But it isn't--it's written by the survivors. The stories are told by the victors; they control the narrative. But if we dig far enough, we can find the rest of the stories.
I so wish I'd had a history prof in college who was as passionate as Michael Sheen is. It would have been so much easier to pay attention!
He's a brilliant orator in the tradition of his Welsh forebears - and such an educated and intelligent man
Amazing lecture. Only just picked up on this in 2022!
Cannot underestimate the importance of such a person saying these things.
Brilliant Michael every Welsh person should see this x Diolch byt
Such an eloquent and moving speech. His comments on his frustration about not being a Welsh speaker are keenly felt by me. Born in Scotland to Welsh father and Scottish mother I heard Welsh constantly, we had a Welsh speaking neighbor, what were the chances? The Welsh society in Scotland was a strong community where every year my father would conduct at the Cymanfa Ganus. Unfortunately it wasn’t enough for me to pick up the language. I have since become almost fluent in Spanish and understand how beautiful it is to be able to appreciate another culture, Latin American in my case, through language. If only I had the energy to learn the Cymraeg and the Gaelic as well. Keep doing what you are doing Mr Sheen, don’t enter politics, inspire us one by one! Diolch un fawr
So this is the one he gave his OBE back for!
Really! Wow!
I don't think I've ever seen a video with no dislikes that had watched by more than a handful of people.
Why don't we get rid of the 'Prince of Wales', become an independent state and let Mr Sheen run in a fair election to become its head? I'd vote for him as he'd represent our nation brilliantly on the world stage.
This has started trending again since the death of the Queen.
Having moved from Wales to America as a young boy I completely understand how he feels.
I am an African from Biafra precisely. I just stumbled upon this on twitter and I watched and listened in awe. Goose bumps all over my hands at this powerful speech and history that I never heard of. As someone from a a country that its name has disappeared from the map of the world because of British greed, I feel your pain. 09/2022
Like a Pencampwr finding his warlord, a Druid finding his Gods, or an Uati acolyte finding a truth in the infinite ether, I have found a new hero.
I know there are people from Wales, Scotland and Ireland commenting on this brilliant lecture. However, some of the things he speaks about have resonance with English people who don't come from the "Establishment" and live in those corners forgotten.Never mind all the "levelling up" b**lsh"t England needs an orator and leader.
This is absolutely incredible
Amazing speech. Absolutely outstanding
God he’s a beautiful soul
The only way to save the Culture what we have left is to gain our Independence from the corruption of Westminster. Cymru Rydd!!
Amazing speech
Thank you for using your voice! Cymru am byth🏴
An English man too.
And a British* woman too... Now in my 60s, I'm finally discovering my own voice but still learning how to use it. I was truly inspired by such heartfelt, passionate & wise words from Michael Sheen. Thank you so much.
* My mum was Welsh, my dad was a Scot & I'm definitely more than just English. 😊
Brilliant, and so enthusiastic.
Amazing speech, truly amazing.
I'm writing this 10 days after Brexit is starting to hit home (January 2021) and it has even more relevance now than it did when it was filmed. Well said Mr Sheen.
Wow. O.O
Absolutely mesmerising !
I’d vote for him to be PM or if not, First Minister for Wales! This was spellbinding, for me, and the audience, you could’ve heard a pin drop.
Even, you should have a look at a talk done by the actor Michael Sheen, the Annual Raymond Williams Memorial Lecture 2017. It's long but worth it.
What a performance. The life of the theatre is certainly filled by many thrills and spills.
This is absolutely fantastic I am Scottish a very proud nationalist with a deep knowledge of Scottish history I have learned a lot about welsh similarities from this speech
For Wales to emerge as it's own country three things are needed. Firstly, Welsh culture needs to be better recognized and this means growing beyond just the Welsh language. Secondly there needs to be a significant and highly visible Welsh presence in the World at large - weaponize the Welsh diaspora (which have been excluded in all discussion and voting on Welsh independence). Lastly Welsh politicians should be making a hell of a lot more noise in Westminster.
Agreed. That would be so amazing. I'm Native American. I know what it feels like to be marginalized. I hope Welsh people can pull through and become more recognized in the world at large.
So tonight i learn Welsh history! Being spanish this kinda resonates, the centralism of spain is a shame too, madrid is like a funnel for money and culture. Seems that british people also dream of a "donut" country. My solidarity.
Michael for the 1st President of an Independent Wales
Nah, Wales should demand their title back off Charlie and bring its real name back - Rex Brittanorum (King of Britons).
Superb.
Recommending that everyone watch this instead of the queens speech this Christmas
54:00 on is just incredible. Truth.
This is as true of the English regions and inner cities as it is of the Welsh, Scots & Irish.
If a sink hole swallowed Westminster and the aristocracy a sigh of relief would be heard from the Shetlands to Cornwall.
I can't help but imagine this is how J.R.R. Tolkien would want his stories to be told.
Inspirational
1:51:33 - I think this is the central problem, at least for my generation. As a pupil at Barry Boys I received next to no education, even though one of my history teachers for a year or two was amongst those who I respected and actually taught me something, I knew nothing about history, let alone Welsh history by the time I left school. In fact school was just teachers trying to maintain control of the class by any means, as there was some serious behavioural issues amongst the pupils. The comprehensive system failed many of my peers and myself. I'm sure with the addition of social media there is even more distraction for young people now. We really need to rethink the way we educate and show young people what to value and why. If the next generation have parents that know nothing about why Wales is special, then how can they?
(I also agree that the BBC 'The story of Wales' was an excellent introduction for those who know nothing and would like to start learning).
Totally agree, I went to school in the Rhondda Valleys and had a very similar experience. I ended up in university but through an Access Course and not because of my education at school. My Welsh language teacher barely ever turned up, and most of the history teachers hated their jobs.
@@meganthomas4768 I can imagine it wasn't great in Rhondda! I'm in my 40s now and just starting a MA after completing my BA with the Open University - I had a spent my life owning bars up until 3 years ago - but I wanted to go back and get the education I should have got first time around. I have no problem with learning now, I never did, it was just impossible to learn anything at that school - apart from how to skin up and hot-wire a car. I'm one of the lucky ones that didn't end up in prison. Education system is just a total mess in low income areas.
Megan, Neo, see my post above. Wales online have just reported on him giving his medal back, it has caused quite the diverse reaction.
@@inkymunster1591 Seen that! I’m not sure why? people say he’s a hypocrite for accepting it in the first place, but by his own admission he didn’t know anything about Welsh history when he accepted it. I don’t agree with every single thing Sheen says about Welsh history but I can understand why a Welshman or woman would find it difficult to accept a OBE/MBE knowing the history of his/her country.
@@meganthomas4768 You are a lady after my own heart Megan, I do get saddened by it all, as I just see our history and ways being eroded year by year.
I get real picky mind .... it's MAM not Mum and dinner, not lunch. Haha.....
Burning up Twitter right after the death of the Queen... will we see a free Wales?
How Scotland feels.
Excellent dyolch yn fawr
If the Port Talbot steelworks plant would tata be responsible for the clean up??
It's amazing. Does his Welsh accent only return to this degree when he crosses over the Severn Bridge?
He's a very very good actor - he has dozens of voices
Exactly why did he give his OBE back for?
So that he could give this speech. He said he felt hypocritical otherwise.
I am English but have lived in Wales for 30 years and identify more with Wales than anywhere else. My little business wholesales a high quality 100% welsh product but find that it is our English customers in Wales that support us most. It often amazes me how our Welsh customers, even the national botanic gardens of Wales, put foreign imports in their stores when a Welsh product that is in every way as good is available on their doorstep
charles The National Botanical Garden of Wales is a little too expensive for most people to visit on a regularly basis ..Have only been there once myself .What's all this nonsense about English people being more favourable & inclined to sell Welsh produce compared to the Welsh .How do you come to that conclusion?
Nonsense that I have witnessed for ten years growing plants and wholesaling to retailers in wales.
Very perceptive
I’ve never felt more Welsh.
In all respect, screw Braveheart, I want a movie about Owain Glindor kicking the English! That would be badass. And Michael could even play the lead!
This should be required "reading" for anyone "Welsh".
Quite a few inaccuracies relating to Welsh history but its still worth a watch.
Such as?! As for myself I'd say not calling Wales a Nation. The Britons did things drastically different to the Anglo. A nation wasn't a permanent entity or Notion. it came and went when appropriate. The British Kings would often fight amongst themselves until a greater outside force was thrust upon them, at which time they'd elect a High King (Rex Brittanorum, King of Britons) to Lead. Once the danger was dealt with, the Elites would go back to ruling their own Petty Kingdoms. This occurred in Britain (Wales) atleast 4 times between 55ad and 1409. 1. Under Magnus Maximus, 2. Under Arthwys Ap Meurig 3. Under Iestyn Ap Gwrgan and 4. Under Owain Glyndwr.
go on?
If we viewed each culture as an alien race in Startrek, the Welsh would be the eqivelent of the Federation, minus the money, and the English would be the eqivelent of the borg.
Extraordinary that the Welsh happy to vote to leave EU but Sheen makes a good point about that, as we know too the lies p that were sold. Scotland and NI made the right choice but still suffering the fallout.
The Welsh didn't vote to leave the EU, the English living in Wales did
One can see Sheen is obviously a method actor. To help get into his speech, he wore clothes the same colour as the background sign. He even dyed his hair to match!
Who!? 🤷🏻♂️
Out of interest what makes someone Welsh? Is it someone that lives in wales? Is it someone that was born there?
If an Englishman moves and lives in Wales is he welsh?
If a Welshman lives in London is he English?
The talk of 800 year old history is fine and well but what relevance does that have to a new immigrant to wales, who is as welsh as any one.. right?
Actor believing in his own victimized melodrama. In truth, Michael Sheen is a very privileged winner. Past injustices aren't a reason to break into factions today. Our problems are immense. We need to be united, as much as possible, all over the world, and make decisions that are for the universal good. Tribalism is small-minded and cowardly. It takes great courage to come together, to leave behind that comforting narrow identity and step forward as an independent part of a vast, universal whole. It is much easier to take comfort from a narrow identity where the clarity of who you are and why you are here is so obvious. The reality is not black-and-white, but grey and shady and takes work to make judgments of. But it is the reality.
Surprised at the anti protestant rhetoric
I guess if a speech is tediously long, they call it a "lecture".
horrible wig
A little anti-English.
Its anti-british....there is a difference. However, the british establishment is English and there lies the confusion. There are English independence parties too. The british state does not work even in England and has always taken the north of England for granted. It gives even less consideration to the Welsh. Its more complicated than you appreciate. But its very fair to say that Wales has always been treated terribly by the English pro british state whether you like it or not. And Wales is only one country brutalised by the british empire. Its amazing that Wales even exists at all given that we are the direct neighbours of England from where the british state operate. Put yourself in the shoes of the Welsh people and imagine if England were to have been treated by other neighbouring states in the same manner.
Well said
Everyone which loves their own Nation is Anti English according to you - you are an arsehole.
1500 years of abuse by the Anglo Saxons and Normans.
Invasions. Subjugation. Harsh laws against the Welsh. High taxes. Land-grabs. Attempts to destroy Welsh language and culture. The continued insult of naming the first born of the English monarch the "Prince of Wales".
But don't you dare point it out, otherwise you're labelled as "anti-English".
Bollocks to it. One and a half millennia is far too long an amount of time to stay silent. Time for Wales to rise up and take charge of its own destiny.
twll dyn pob saes
It’s pure Alan Partridge. Emphatically delivered by another great actor.