An update
Although we are very much still in the throws of a pandemic, this second year of Covid has thrown up more of its fair share of challenges as we continue to plan and replan. You feel compelled to produce shows but are aware of the responsibility and risk financially for a small publically funded organisation. You also have to consider the health risk to your staff and freelancers. The o
nly assurance is that Doctor Theatre cannot cure Covid. This year vaccinations spurred us on only to be thwarted by new variants that have made us regress and withdraw to study every Covid graph and return to the zoom room again. Making theatre has always been hard work. However, creating theatre with mounting costs and a diminishing workforce is now energy-sapping. It has been a year of one step forward, a step to the side and then three steps back. Shows have moved along, nudged forward through the year with nothing more than blind hope and optimism. Held aloft by the incredible support and determination of those who contribute, create and champion our work. This year illustrated the strength in the collective. Relationships we have forged over the years and then the ones that have developed during Covid. At Theatr na nÓg, we are so proud of these associations. Such as our longstanding relationship with Swansea Museum, The National Waterfront and most recently, Technocamps. A partnership rooted in the belief that all young people deserve the best art and culture. We are delighted the support from the schools for this project continues with The Arandora Star performed from February to March to over 3,000 children in Welsh and English. Arandora Star will be our first live performance since June when we co-presented We Need Bees for young children and their families in collaboration with Theatr Brycheiniog. What a joy it was to see young children watching theatre out in the glorious sunshine. Our continued partnership with Arts and Business Cymru saw us producing our first film based on our play "Just Jump" with our partners Cardiff Harbour Authority. We began the newly formed Consortiwm Cymraeg initiative with Theatr Soar, The Welfare Ystradgynlais and Awen Cultural Trust. The Consortiwm's first collaboration will be the Welsh language version of Shirley Valentine, which tours Wales in the Spring. And finally, our co-producing partnership with Aberystwyth Arts Centre will see our musical show Operation Julie performed live on stage in 2022. Without these organisations and the individuals who work there, we would have found it almost impossible to continue producing our work - their support, generosity, and care for one another has been overwhelming. Long may it continue beyond Covid. Here's to 2022. Wish us luck. Geinor Styles
