Discover Dylan Thomas's North America

Dylan went on four gruelling reading tours of America between 1950 and 1953 where he travelled the country and gave readings in universities, theatres and museums. His reputation as a performance poet grew and he premiered his famous play-for-voices Under Milk Wood, but also there was an expectation from Dylan himself, and others, that he should ‘perform’ not only on stage but also off stage as well. This would have devastating consequences.

New York, NY

The vibrant atmosphere of 1950s New York was quite a contrast to west Wales and Dylan enjoyed spending time in the arty bars and clubs of Greenwich Village. He visited, stayed in and performed in a number of locations while on his four reading tours between 1950 and 1953.

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Rest of North America

Dylan’s first trip to America was in February 1950, and he returned again with his wife Caitlin in January 1952, and then again in April and October 1953.   He spent much of his time in New York but he also travelled the country and gave readings all over North America, including Chicago, Arizona, Iowa, California and Texas.

Image © Peter Thabit Jones

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