A new play telling the story of the Aberfan colliery tip collapse through the voices of survivors, volunteers and the community, will be performed at St Elvan’s Church, Aberdare (Thurs 11 April) and Tylorstown Welfare Hall (Fri 12 April). The Silent Volunteer play is part of a Research and Development project funded by Arts Council Wales. Performances will take place at 2pm and 7pm in both venues.
The Silent Volunteer tells the story from the perspectives of the community and the volunteers who helped on the day of the incident. It is based on a play from local writer Sue Bevan. Sue approached Avant with the idea of producing the play. Following consultation, community engagement activities, script readings and refining with people in Aberfan and Tylorstown, the play is now being shown in two test performances. It will then be further developed to tour in England and Wales.
Rachel Pedley, Director of Avant Cymru explains: “Through discussions in Tylorstown, we heard how recent landslides had affected people’s lives. In Aberfan, we heard from survivors about how they were told ‘not to talk about it’. We also heard the same from our families. Together we’ve been coming to understand how the disaster has shaped our lives and those of our community. It’s become clear that people are ready to talk some more, and share their stories with others who have, or may in future, be affected by threats to their environment from industry and commerce.”
An opportunity for the community to reflect has also been created through a ‘letter to Aberfan’ post box at the Rhondda Heritage Park. Locals in Tylorstown also built a Lego replica of their area at an open event at the Welfare Hall, while discussing local issues.
Rachel continues: “This play and the aftershow discussions will give us all an opportunity to talk openly, supported by our trauma-informed artists.”
The Avant Cymru Directors and artists have been undertaking a process to become a trauma-informed organisation, accredited by One Small Thing. They will be the first in Wales to achieve the accreditation.
“The Silent Volunteer is a play about the voices that haven’t yet found the words to speak,” says Rachel, “but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”, and would like to prevent future disasters happening in ex-mining areas. Our mission is to remember the past, discuss the present, and create the future with all the communities we work with.”
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