|
GWENT THEATRE BATTLE HOTS UP
|
The trustees of Gwent Theatre are determined to keep the company alive despite the crippling action of the Arts Council of Wales to strip it of funding this year.
In a New Year announcement, Gregg Taylor, Chairman says the company is optimistic that the Welsh Assembly will step in to ensure its work in schools can continue.
The Assembly Petitions Committee is hearing evidence, and a robust case is also being put to the Communities and Culture Committee who are holding an inquiry into access to the arts for young people.
In a further move, Gwent Theatre is demanding that the Arts Council of Wales disclose how it reached its decision to cut the funding with questions under the Freedom of Information Act.
“We have the support of many Assembly Members and we’re heartened by the concern being expressed by some Cabinet Members who are themselves now asking questions of the Minister.
“We have tremendous support from the community, including parents and members of Gwent Young People’s Theatre, schools, local authorities, town councils and societies and artists and musicians and we would like to thank everyone who has initiated or supported fundraising events.
“In particular we would thank the Jiveoholics band, singer Kara Tobin and Call me Albert group for staging concerts at the Melville Theatre in the Drama Centre. They have helped to ensure the venue is being supported and we have just heard that a group of local poets will be putting on an evening performance in March.”
The GYPT production of the gothic tales of Gormenghast by Mervyn Peake, dramatised by John Constable, will be staged at the Borough Theatre on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 3, 4 and 5 February.
Mr Taylor said he would assure everyone that Gwent Theatre, as the parent company of Gwent Young People’s Theatre will carry on, although productions in schools are being scaled down.
“We are continuing to campaign and keep the pressure on to ensure that the Arts Council of Wales is accountable for its decisions and its actions.”
|
web site: |
e-mail: |
Tuesday, January 4, 2011 |
|
|
|
|
Older news
stories have been carefully archived.
2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999
