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The Role of Theatre in Education and other burning questions....
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Welsh Assembly Oral Questions 17 March
Q1 Leighton Andrews:
Will the Minister make a statement on the role of theatre in education?
The Minister for Culture, Welsh Language and Sport (Alun Pugh):
The Assembly Government is convinced of the value of theatre in education, and is strongly committed to its long-term development. This is reflected in the substantial increase in funding given to the initiative between 2002 and 2003, when funding was almost doubled from £900,000 to £1.7 million.
Leighton Andrews:
Do you recall visiting Spectacle Theatre in the Rhondda last year, and do you agree that the role played by theatre in education companies in the development not only of production, but of new writing, is critical to the future of theatre in Wales? Will you encourage the Arts Council of Wales to consider in detail the role of theatre in education as it develops its strategy for English-language theatre in Wales?
Alun Pugh:
Theatre in education companies have an important role to play not just in performance, but in new writing. I enjoyed my visit to Spectacle Theatre on 16 October, and I particularly enjoyed the demonstration of lighting and sound techniques, which showed how these can be used by students to enhance productions.
Owen John Thomas:
Faint o ymgynghorwyr drama sy'n cael eu cyflogi gan awdurdodau lleol yng Nghymru?
Owen John Thomas:
How many drama advisers are employed by local authorities in Wales?
Alun Pugh:
Drama advisers are employed by local authorities rather than the arts council. I do not have this information to hand, but I will write to you.
Carl Sargeant:
Will the Minister support me in a bid to formally recognise Clwyd Theatr Cymru as a national English-language theatre for Wales? The theatre already enjoys a tremendous reputation across the United Kingdom as a result of its quality work.
Alun Pugh:
Clwyd Theatr Cymru is a fantastic asset to the arts landscape in Wales. I enjoyed the company's production of One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest last week; it was an outstanding example of theatrical production. I look forward to the work of the mobile theatre, which will take theatre to some of the most deprived communities in Wales.
Lisa Francis:
The role of theatre in education is important in a child's development. Valuable work carried our by Dawns Dyfed, including work through the medium of Welsh with disabled and disadvantaged people, has been nationally and internationally acclaimed. Due to the shortfall in the budget for the arts outside Cardiff, the company faces uncertain times. Will you make a commitment to do everything in your power to work with the Arts Council of Wales to ensure that this company does not go to the wall?
Alun Pugh:
I would not want to see any arts company go to the wall. Working with disabled people is a key theme of the Assembly's theatre structure. As far as the arts outside Cardiff are concerned, we are on target to develop the £2 million programme, and we saw the first fruits of the programme at Clwyd Theatr Cymru last week.
Mick Bates:
In the interests of combining theatre in education with a celebration of Owain Glyndwr's first parliament in Machynlleth, will you consider exploring the possibility of providing financial assistance for a production to celebrate this great event, such as Y Mab Darogan?
Alun Pugh:
That is an interesting idea, and the first I have heard of it. It is appropriate that Owain Glyndwr is commemorated this year. I look forward to hearing your detailed comments on that.
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Wednesday, March 24, 2004 |
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