During Easter 2011 the National Theatre Wales and Wildworks will be funding and producing presenting an innovative and live theatrical production of Passion taking place in and around the streets of Port Talbot directed by and starring Hollywood Star Michael Sheen.
As part of this exciting and diverse performance arts project Neath Port Talbot Community Arts are asking communities and local schools to design and make individual textile pieces to create one enormous community blanket to be used in the production.
Michael Sheen said “I want to encourage the community to get involved with Passion. We want Passion to be a celebration of this wonderful town and its people: its past, its present and its future. We are aiming to make this the largest and most ambitious theatrical project this country has ever seen, but we can only do that with the help of the community. If we want to tell a story about this town, the town has to tell us its story.”
As part of the project NPT Community Arts offered all their schools the opportunity to take part in free textile workshops in February 2011 with community artists and create personal pieces with their classmates. From a random draw three lucky schools were chosen for the workshops, Blaenbaglan Primary School, Glyncorwwg Primary School and Cwmtawe Community School. The textiles pieces will highlight the surrounding area, and allow pupils to depict places they are passionate about such as where they live or go to school.
The textile must measure 45cms squared plus a 3cm edging and will need to be a bold graphic to celebrate the local area of Neath Port Talbot and Pontardawe. The squares will then be sewn together at the Big! Big! Stitch In next March 2011 to create a stunning stylised map of Neath Port Talbot County Borough.
Neil Thomas NPT Co-ordinator of Sport, Culture and Active Living said “Congratulations to the winning schools chosen to take part in the free textile workshops. However we would still like to encourage all community groups and schools to contact the Community Arts Team us if they wish to submit a textile piece and be part of the Big Big Stitch In.”
Leader of Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Ali Thomas commented “I am absolutely thrilled Port Talbot and Hollywood star Michael Sheen has chosen to produce his prestigious version of Passion here in Neath Port Talbot in his hometown.
“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for our schools and community groups to take part in an international event that will put Neath Port Talbot County Borough firmly in the worldwide spotlight. This is also a wonderful chance for individuals and communities to work with the National Theatre of Wales and their talented team of committed professionals”
The Big! Big! Stitch In will take place on March 20th 2011 at The Orangery, Margam Park where they will create one enormous community textile blanket to use in the production and to be displayed as community art work for all to enjoy.
For any further information on the Big! Big! Stitch In! and to register interest in producing a textile piece contact:
Roger Williams
Cultural Services Officer
Community Arts
NPTCBC
Tel: 01639 889907
E-mail: [email protected]
