Richard Burton is celebrated
18th May 2011
Aberavon MP Dr Hywel Francis has made a statement outlining what has been achieved to commemorate Richard Burton’s life.
Dr Francis said,
‘Richard Burton’s life is widely commemorated in his locality with the full support of his family.
We have the Annual 10k Richard Burton race in Cwmafan; there is a plaque at his birthplace in Pontrhydyfen; the local authority has established the Richard Burton Trail to be launched next month; the Richard Burton Archives were opened last year at Swansea University where a Richard Burton Centre has been set up; he is also commemorated by a Portrait Bench at Cwmafan; and there is a room dedicated to him at the Afan Lodge Hotel.’
Dr Francis added,
‘An Annual Richard Burton Lecture has also been established thanks to the generosity of Richard’s widow Sally. The inaugural lecture was given last year by Professor Chris Williams who is writing a book on Richard’s life based on his diaries. This year’s Lecture will be given by John McGrath, Director of National Theatre Wales which commissioned the recently successful open-air play ‘The Passion’.
The Lecture will be given at the Princess Royal Theatre in Port Talbot on October 4th.
I have been associated with most of these initiatives and any further commemoration of Richard Burton would be welcomed.’
