Our most recent performance on Friday October 9th was one of both happiness and great sadness. We were very pleased to perform, at last, in Y Glowyr. We have rehearsed in this lovely little theatre for four years but have never before had an opportunity to take the stage as guest artistes.
In the foyer and on the mezzanine floor were easels with information boards which offered an insighful look into the history of Welsh coal tips, their current safety, biodiversity and environmental management, as well as the ongoing importance of community involvement.
The evening began with a performance of “The Silent Volunteer”, a short play written by Sue Bevan and performed by five members of Avant Cymru. The play was a moving and powerful reminder of the Aberfan disaster which happened 60 years ago this month. Choir members who were alive then (quite a few) remembered the horror and the huge loss of life – 144 people died on October 21st 1966, 116 of them were children. The play served as a reminder of the vital lessons we must continue to learn from this loss of life. It reflected on the past but also highlighted the immense importance of community voice and unity.
The play finished to huge applause and then we took the stage to sing three reflective pieces – Tydi a Roddaist, Suo Gan and The Snow. We finished with a rousing rendition of Calon Lan in which the audience were invited to join.
Introducing our pieces allowed our MD Huw to reflect on his relationship with Aberfan. He grew up in Merthyr Tydfil and had relatives in Aberfan and, as a teenager, played for Aberfan rugby club. Huw’s uncle was a child in Pantglas school at the time of the disaster. He was a survivor and went on to lead a fulfilling life.
After our performance there was a Question and Answer Session from which came some poignant stories about connections with Aberfan. A very memorable and moving evening.