People who attend Learning Curve RCT, the innovative learning disability support service from Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, have put on a captivating theatrical experience celebrating Welsh culture and history. This was only made possible through partners Forget Me Not Productions, and our dedicated Learning Curve team.
Funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and Arts Council of Wales, ‘The Time Machine Chronicles’ is a celebration of Welsh heritage, history, and Valley culture. The show featured scenes from a Welsh rugby match, the Miner’s strike including miners and their families marching, a typical Welsh Valley Club with bingo and singing, and representations of Welsh family life in terraced housing on Chapel Street.
The performances were enriched by the music of iconic Welsh artists such as Tom Jones, Stereophonics, Catatonia, Manic Street Preachers, Bonnie Tyler, Shirley Bassey, and Charlotte Church.
Cllr. Gareth Caple, Cabinet Member for Health & Social Care, said: “I am delighted to see Learning Curve RCT involved in such a unique project that fosters inclusivity and creativity among adults with a learning disability.
“This one-of-a-kind production provided individuals with an opportunity to engage in a creative project, tailored to their individual needs and abilities. Participants were encouraged to get involved in ways that suit them best, whether performing on stage or assisting with set and music creation behind the scenes. Each person was given a role that matched their strengths.
“Music also played a key role in the performance with many individuals using the soundtrack as a cue for which scene or performance came next. This highlights the importance of incorporating elements like music to ensure inclusivity in projects such as this.”
Directed by Clary Saddler and Sue Lewis of Forget Me Not Productions, the project also featured the use of assistive technology from specialist Mel Saddler, and technical support from Sound Sync Limited.
Representatives from Forget Me Not Productions, said: “At Forget Me Not Productions, our passion lies in enabling individuals with the most complex physical and cognitive disabilities to participate independently in creative projects like ‘Time Machine Chronicles’.
“Using assistive technology, participants were filmed in front of a green screen narrating the show or playing adaptive instruments. Others performed live using communication aids for the first time ever. This inclusivity is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to share their voice, their talent, and their story.
“From moving performances to behind-the-scenes contributions, each participant played an integral role in bringing this remarkable celebration of Welsh culture and history to life. We are incredibly proud to have been part of such a meaningful and transformative project.”
The production brought together individuals with learning disabilities from various Learning Curve centres across Rhondda Cynon Taf. Participants engaged in various aspects of the show, including performing, set creation, singing and dancing.
Andrew Owen, Head of Funding in Wales for The National Lottery Community Fund, shared his excitement about the initiative, stating: “We are immensely proud to support and fund the Time Machine Chronicles project in Rhondda Cynon Taf with a grant of £10,000. Projects like this are essential for our communities, as they not only foster creativity and engagement but also bring people together, enriching local lives and fostering acceptance.”
Participants who could not perform used assistive technology aids, including eye gaze technology, to create words and statements for the performance. Behind the scenes, groups collaborated on designing and creating props, stage sets, costumes, and makeup, ensuring a visually stunning and inclusive production.
Technicians and crews coordinated the lighting and sound alongside support staff from Learning Curve who supported the individuals directly on stage. In the weeks leading up to the live performances, individuals participated in workshops with staff from Forget Me Not Productions to develop their confidence with singing and performing on stage.
Those unable to perform were included through video recordings displayed on stage, providing context to many of the scenes and the storyline. Others contributed to the composition of music using assistive technology.
Liz Clarke, the Arts and Health Programme Manager at Arts Council of Wales said: “We are proud to support this production that celebrates Welsh culture, uses music and drama to tell personal stories and engages technology in such innovative and person-centred ways.
“I attended an early rehearsal and was treated to a taste of the warm, collaborative nature of the project and some wonderful song and dance numbers! I also saw the eye gaze technology in action and was invited to try it for myself.
“The ways that Forget Me Not Productions use innovation to ensure that everyone has opportunity to participate is so inspiring. This production promises to be a real treat for audiences across Rhondda Cynon Taf and beyond.”
DVDs will be available to purchase at £5.00 each, with digital copies (flash drives) available for £8.00 each, providing a lasting memento of this remarkable project.
To learn more about Forget Me Not Productions, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100095343189152
For support for adults with learning disabilities, please visit: https://www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Resident/AdultsandOlderPeople/LearningDisabilities/LearningDisabilities.aspx
