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The Development of Welsh Language Theatre from Gwynedd: the 'Pwerdy' I am writing to describe to you how we envisage the development of the 'Pwerdy' as described in ACW Drama Strategy published in June 1999 and in the Draft Drama StrategypublishedinJanuaryl999. Our aim is that the 'Pwerdy' (our temporary, shorthand term) becomes a Welsh National Performing Arts Company as described in the ACW Drama Strategy. You will probably recall the main aspects to this idea: a new organisation which will offer a range of professional theatrical programmes in the Welsh language, including those previously offered by Cwmni Theatr Gwynedd and Theatr Bara Caws; most of these programmes would be offered for tour across Wales; ACW will work with other parties to establish the 'Pwerdy', in particular the local authorities in North West Wales and with the two existing companies. The new company will have a national role so consultation with Welsh language producing companies and presenters, theatre supporters and public bodies for example, will be vital; ACW is committed to increasing funding to this new venture once it is established. Following consultation ACW has decided to pursue the 'Pwerdy' in the following ways: ACW and our funding partners, Gwynedd County Council, Ynys Mo6n Borough Council and Conwy County Borough Council intend arranging a brainstorming session of individuals who might be described as representing the stakeholder' interests in the success of the 'Pwerdy'; from this brainstorming, we shall produce a consultation paper which will describe what the 'Pwerdy' will do, how it will be formed and what we all will expect from it; in other words, how we will judge its success; this consultation paper will have the widest possible circulation and we shall publish a digest of the views received. At the same time, we shall publish the preferred way forward in each major issue - from the point of view of the public funders and of the 'brainstorming' session; we shall look forward to written responses to this consultation paper and to meeting with groups or organisations who may wish to offer views to us; ACW will work with the local authorities and other interested parties to establish the 'Pwerdy' on the lines developed through the brainstorming and consultation process. Clearly we cannot involve all individuals and parties in the brainstorming - that is the purpose of the consultation - but we can offer you at this stage an outline of the issues 1 would envisage being discussed. The following are the kind of people we would wish to invite to the brainstorming; they are all 'stakeholders' interested in the success of the 'Pwerdy': individuals who represent the Welsh language theatre field for example practitioners; writers, performers, directors, administrators; local authority interests; a relevant media overview; the presenter interest: e.g. venues, the National Eisteddfod; audience interests, for example through the Drama Association of Wales and amateur theatre, Cymdeithas Theatr Cymru representation. In order to produce a substantial and thought provoking consultation paper, 1 suggest that the facilitation of the brainstorming session and the subsequent consultation paper will need to address the following areas: Aspirations what do we as funders, public practitioners want from the 'Pwerdy"? what will be the key factors which will illustrate the success of the 'Pwerdy'? what are our desires for the 'Pwerdy' in terms of local, regional, national and possible international roles? what could the development of the 'Pwerdy' contribute to, and gain from, the Objective One programme? Productions, audiences and partners how to build audiences over a 3-5 year period? What are the needs of other producing companies, venues and communities? what does this mean in terms of the development of material and the choices of content and style? how can talent and ideas be encouraged and given a stage? are there untried opportunities in partnerships - with public bodies, publishers, the media and the voluntary sector? what importance should be placed on development work and support activities: new writing development, training and practitioner development? Governance and structure who should lead the development of the 'Pwerdy' toward fulfilling the needs and aspirations debated from the above questions? should there be an interim or long term board or body? If so, are there new or different models or memberships? Should we pursue the idea of 'stakeholders' into a broad structure? at what point and by whom should an artistic, administrative and technical staff structure be designed? at what point should a leadership be appointed and what should be the main duties and responsibilities of the leadership? There are other issues which we should note that we are aware of and which may be discussed though are perhaps for later stage consideration; among these are: the impact of ESF Objective One and how to ensure that the activity and operation of the 'Pwerdy' gains, for public interest; building developments in Bangor and Caernarfon and the issues of housing the 'Pwerdy' and presenting its productions; relationship with other theatre producing venues, for example, the young peoples theatre network. I shall be leading the ACW interest in the development of the 'Pwerdy' assisted by ACW Drama Officer, Joanne Weeks. On behalf of my Council, Lyn Jones will be involved in the brainstorming and other planning meetings. We hope to be able to publish a consultation paper in mid Autumn after brainstorming. We shall look forward to the views of all interested parties. Michael Baker Artform Development Director |
| web site: www.ccc-acw.org.uk |
| Michael Baker e-mail: information@ccc-acw.org.uk |
Thursday, September 23, 1999 |
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