Rhwng Dau Olau / Between Two Lights

Rhwng dau olau / Between two lights is a collaborative film made with Martha Orbach in the early months of 2025 as part of Martha’s residency with Natur am Byth centred around Pengelli woods and the Barbastelle bat.

I worked with Martha over a series of workshops investigating notions of home, precarity and comfort working with Kinora and singers from the Teifi Vocal Improvisation group.

The film, Rhwng Dau Olau was recorded as the sun was setting in the forest at Pengelli and documents a group of singers improvising at dusk, orientating themselves in sound.

The Barbastelle is a rare and elusive bat, in the family Vespertilio, sensitive to light and sound and associated with ancient woodland. One of our rarest mammals, they are classed as vulnerable in the UK.

Taking inspiration from the attentive listening suggested by echolocation and a form of prayer sung at eventide what emerged was a kind of vespers for the Barbastelle.

Filmed and edited by Jacob Whittaker
Created as part of Martha Orbach’s residency with Natur am Byth – Barbastelle Bat.

Martha’s film documenting the wider project Dod yn ôl at fy nghoed will be previewed online in May 2025.

With thanks to @coppicewoodcollege for help and a woodland base @natur_am_byth @addo_creative @vincentwildlifetrust @wildlifetrustsww