As part of Galoshans 2026 X Feral Takeover Programme
Charged with Joy, Qwerin is inspired by the weaving and flowing patterns of traditional Welsh folk-dancing, combined with the pulsating energy of Queer nightlife. Qwerin comment on notions of Queerness and Welshness through a contemporary dance performance which celebrates culture, identity and community. To an original soundtrack by some of Wales’ most renowned musicians and costumes that give a new edge to the Welsh traditional dress, Qwerin truly is a feast for the senses.
QWERIN was created in 2021 as a commission from Articulture and the Wales Outdoor Art Consortium and has been developed into a full-length work in 2022 with funding support from Arts Council Wales.
Originally from Pentre’r Bryn on the west coast of Wales, Osian Meilir is a freelance choreographer, performer and movement artist currently sharing their time between Wales and London. Since graduating from Trinity Laban in 2017, their work has toured extensively across Wales, the UK and internationally including Ten Days on the Island in Australia (2023), Biennale de la Danse in Lyon (2023) and at World EXPO 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
Meilir has been commissioned to create new work by Articulture Wales, The National Eisteddfod, Green Man Festival and the National Dance Company of Wales. They also produce and direct their own work as an artists and premiered their first production ‘Qwerin’ in 2021 to critical acclaim.
Meilir also directs movement and choreographs for theatre productions and musicals having worked with National Theatre Wales, Theatr Cymru, Cwmni Frân Wen and Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch on various productions. They are also an experienced facilitator working with a wide range of artists, community groups and organisations across Wales and the UK.
Meilir’s very early experiences and background of Welsh folk dance has led them to appreciate dance from all different cultures, and to enjoy how dance can build meaningful bridges between people from around the world.
Director and Choreographer: Osian Meilir
Performers: Bethan Laura Cooper, Cêt Haf and Osian Meilir
Designer: Becky Davies
Costume Maker: Amy Barrett
Composers: Tic Ashfield and Benjamin Talbott
Photography: Cwm Calon
With additional music by Pendevig and Gwilym Bowen Rhys
Mentor: Marc Rees
Supported by Newark Castle through Historic Environment Scotland.
V: Highly Visual / No or Little Text
R: Relaxed Performanc
Newark Castle, Castle Road, Port Glasgow, Renfrewshire, PA14 5NH
National Grid reference: NS 327 744
Telephone: 01475 741 858
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Travel the green way
Help us cut carbon and traffic and preserve this historic site for future generations. Find out how to get here by train, bus, bike and foot
There is a large, free, level tarmac car park.
Approach to site
The site entrance is 42m from the car park along a level gravel drive and stone paved path.
Visitor centre
Both visitor centre and shop have step free access.
Monument
The ground floor of the castle has level access.
Upper levels of the castle are reached by a stone staircase with a handrail. Steps may be uneven. In the keep, a spiral staircase of 63 steps leads to the wallhead.
Light levels are low in many areas.
Toilets Available.
Nearest adapted toilet is about 2 miles away at:
Premier Inn Greenock
James Watt Way
Greenock
PA15 2AJ
Assistance dogs are permitted at all our sites and within roofed areas.
