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Spectacle Theatre's response to the suspension of the Drama Strategy for wales |
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Dear Joanna Weston Yesterday the Arts Council of Wales issued a statement that it was suspending its decision to implement the strategy for delivery of Young Peoples Theatre in Wales. This decision was public knowledge before we were informed. We are dismayed and angry at yet another change of direction by the Arts Council of Wales. Over the last year we have been forced by the actions and decisions of the Arts Council of Wales to build upon shifting sands. Spectacle Theatre Company is the only Theatre In Education Company based in and working in the Valleys of South Wales. We have provided a quality Theatre In Education and Community service for 21 years. We have had to bear the brunt of changes brought about by Local Management of Schools and the introduction of unitary authorities. Spectacle has suffered financially more than any other Company in Wales in this respect. Unlike other Theatre In Education companies that are well resourced in comparison, Spectacle has always been under-resourced and operating in an area that has been continually under-resourced financially. Much of our work is with people excluded or marginalised by society. Prior to this decision being taken by the A.C.W. we informed Wales Association of Performing Arts, Local Government Association of Wales, Assembly Members and Councillors of the effect on this Company of such a decision being made. Spectacle has maintained a Theatre service to the people of the Valleys by a continuous building of partnerships with our Community. We were the first professional Theatre Company in Wales to receive the Investors In People award. It is crucially important to our survival to maintain the goodwill and loyalty of our Community both in the creation of and delivery of our work. The decision by the A.C.W. to award us a 3 year franchise to deliver theatre for young people to the Mid-Valleys area was conveyed to us by a letter dated 22nd October 1999. This was followed up by a second letter dated 22nd December 1999, indicating a meeting in February. On Tuesday 11th January we were told to proceed with our plans in a telephone conversation with the Dance and Drama Officer at the A.C.W. Since October 1999 we have spent considerable time and energy in setting up our new project company 'theatr-works'. We have entered into agreements, contracts and made commitments to the members of our community. These partnerships are with Schools, Unitary Authorities, Venues, professional Theatre practitioners and our own Company members. The reversal of this decision will undermine the credibility of Spectacle Theatre. It will place us in a position where we are unable to honour contracts made in good faith. We are currently taking legal advice through the Theatrical Management Association about legal action against the A.C.W. The future of the Company is now in doubt, there will have to be job losses to core and freelance personnel. The effect of this constant change by the A.C.W. has had a serious and debilitating effect on the health of the Company and its personnel. We therefore demand that: The commitment of funding to Spectacle be upheld or additional funding be made available for us to honour our contracts. The Board of Management request an urgent meeting with yourself and Mike Baker to discuss these matters with you. Yours sincerely Maureen Harris Chair of the Board of Management |
| Spectacle Theatre web site: |
| Maureen Harris e-mail: |
Thursday, January 20, 2000 |
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