The People’s Platform features performances ranging from the theatrical and dramatic, with debates and discussions. This project is in association with Common Wealth, a political theatre company that makes site-specific events, such as workshops and productions, for communities to participate in to show their views on political concerns. The event is also in collaboration with Cardiff University and National Theatre Wales.
The People’s Platform theatrical performances and debates are centred and themed around challenging stigmas, stereotypes, misinterpretations and misrepresentations against people from sidelined communities. Previous shows that Common Wealth have worked on have spread a message from and about the working class and the People’s Platform is no different, hence the name. The event, which combines theatre and discussion, aims to bring together people from the Merthyr area to hear their stories and express their worries and hopes for the future. The discussion is partly due to the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act, which aims to work towards expressing and improving the prosperity of Wales and its social, cultural, environmental and economical standards.
Policy makers will be attending the event, where local actors will be performing. Bringing together the figures that represent the community to an event that will express the people’s views and concerns and explore the ways that they can work together to make a change will hopefully tackle the issue of representation that some communities in Wales have a problem with. The event promises to present the hard hitting problems and aims to make a change. Using theatre as a way to do this gives them an edge to show how they feel and their ideas to improve the community’s wellbeing.
The People’s Platform, Penydarren Social Club, Merthyr Tydfil, Thurs 16th June. Tickets: free. Info: 029 2087 5389 / http://commonwealththeatre.co.uk/shows/the-peoples-platform/
words BETHAN GIRDLER-MASLEN