National Youth Theatre of Wales and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, Malawi collaborate on new international film project

Two youth theatre companies, 5000 miles apart, will premiere a new film at the Solomonic Peacocks Theatre’s Easter Festival in April – created by the young performers as part of a year-long international collaboration. 

The project, taking place digitally via Zoom and WhatsApp, has involved regular online creative workshops exploring youth voice and empowerment – and discovering the things that young people in both countries have in common. 

The tri-lingual film – performed in Welsh, Chichewa and English – is a collaborative spoken word poem performed by the creators and filmed using mobile phones, one of the common technologies that unites young people around the world. An important aspect of the project was to ensure young people were at the centre of creating the work – with the group deciding to focus on the themes of empowering young women and girls, and their common link of bilingualism and a desire to share their daily lives and cultures digitally.

Alongside its premiere at SPT’s Easter Festival on Friday 8 April, a docu-film will be released showing the creation of the film and how the project has impacted on the young people involved. In the UK, the film will be launched at the same time on the AM platform at www.amam.cymru/nyaw 

The project is funded through British Council Wales’s Go Digital fund, which was designed to facilitate digital partnerships between arts companies in Wales with counterparts in sub-Saharan Africa. 

The project and its weekly sessions have been jointly produced by both companies, and has also enabled young theatre facilitators and producers to learn from each other, enabling a true cultural exchange. 

Dawn Bowden, Welsh Government’s Deputy Minister for Arts and Sport, congratulated the partnership: “It’s fantastic to see this international collaboration between National Youth Theatre of Wales and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, Malawi. This exciting cultural exchange between young performers, on the theme of youth empowerment, truly embraces digital media and international partnership. 

“Forging these kind of international connections is a key part of our arts strategy in Wales – and it’s heartening to see young people in Wales respond by focusing on what we have in common, rather than what divides us. I look forward to watching the finished film very soon and to see what the young people have created.”

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “It’s been fantastic to be able to bring this life-changing cultural exchange to NYTW members. As the project clearly demonstrates, there is more that brings young people together around the world than separates them. We’re grateful to British Council Wales for funding the project, which has facilitated this exchange of ideas and will leave a lasting legacy in our two countries. 

Natasha Nicholls, Arts Project Manager at British Council Wales, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the young people from National Youth Arts Wales and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre in Malawi to explore digital theatre and cultural exchange. 

“Go Digital is a British Council Wales programme to enable partners from Wales and Sub Saharan Africa to connect digitally, develop new relationships and explore new ways of working. The programme has taken place in Wales and 8 countries across Sub Saharan Africa, spanning dance, theatre, literature, film and visual arts.”

McArthur Matukuta, Executive Director at Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, said: “Even though the Covid-19 pandemic has blocked physical contact, the power of art unblocked the barrier through digital technology. It’s proved to be one of the best mediums of continuing exchanging and sharing skills amongst the young people".

The film will be available to watch, for free, at www.amam.cymru/nyaw from Friday 8 April.

Mentors announced for Music Futures 2022

Following a successful hybrid/online version of the project last year, working with 20 young people and developing their talents alongside a team of mentors, we’re so excited that Music Futures is underway for 2022!

Music Futures is a free contemporary music project and development opportunity for Wales’s music makers of the future. It enables young people aged 16-18 to grow into the artists that they want to be and supports them to make their mark on the current Welsh music scene.

National Youth Arts Wales are pleased to announce the mentors involved in this year’s Music Futures programme. Ranging in genre and skillset from Grime to Indie, DJing to RnB, we’re proud to be working with a cohort of creatives representing the best of the contemporary music landscape in Wales.

MACE THE GREAT

Mace The Great is an exciting force of Grime and Hip Hop, hailing from Cardiff, Wales. Having won a Triskel Award at the Welsh Music Prize 2020, and garnering the support of the likes of BBC 1Xtra, BBC Wales, ITV, S4C (national TV station for Wales), Cardiff City FC, FOCUS Wales showcase festival and conference, Nominated for Welsh Music Prize 2021, Welsh Ambassador for independent venue week 2022, invited to perform at SXSW 2022 and also part of the MOBO Unsung Class Of 2022. Now primed for a huge 2022, which will see the release of his much anticipated project, following on from the success of his critically acclaimed EP ‘My Side Of The Bridge’, released March 2021 via the MTGM label.

HEMES

With her newly released debut EP, Hemes's single ‘Matters of the Mind’ has landed her on the BBC Radio Wales ‘Welsh A-list'. Her sound encompasses a smooth blend of catchy pop melodies and RnB influences. Born to Arabic parents, her love for music and songwriting derives from being raised around a mix of western and middle eastern music.

TUMI WILLIAMS

Tumi Williams is the front man for the 9-piece monster funk collective Afro Cluster and have written, recorded and tour managed extensively with the group for over a decade. He has performed alongside artists such as Talib Kweli, Chali 2na and The Pharcyde, and a appeared at numerous high-profile festivals and events including SXSW, Glastonbury, Womad, Greenman, and Boomtown.

HELEDD WATKINS

Heledd studied as a theatre maker before moving on to work as a session bass guitarist, touring with Emmy the Great, Chloe Howl and Paper Aeroplanes. She started writing her own music as the front woman of art-rock band, HMS Morris with highlights including, performing at Glastonbury, releasing two albums and gaining two Welsh Music Prize nominations. She is currently working on HMS Morris's third album is sound designing for a theatre show which will be performed in 2023.

DJ DABES

DJ Dabes specializes in big vibes and party anthems and has worked for BBC Radio Wales, Capital FM, Radio Cardiff, Beacons and the WMC's Radio Plattform. When DJ Dabes is not behind the decks he's teaching, presenting radio, producing online content or writing music.

Listen to Dabes’ Bring The Summer mix on Mixcloud

LILY BEAU

Lily Beau moved to London at the age of 16 and secured work experience at Island UK, Universal Music Publishing and Warner Music Group, which subsequently led to a full-time role at Sony Music Publishing as an A&R. Having recently moved back to Wales, she composed and performed a song at the 2021 re-opening of the Senedd for the Queen. Above all else, Lily is elated to be back in her hometown, writing at her piano and can’t wait to share new music.

National Youth Dance Wales welcomes Lea Anderson and Arielle Smith as choreographers for 2022 season

• Internationally renowned choreographer Lea Anderson, and dance artist and choreographer Arielle Smith, to create two new works for National Youth Dance Wales, working with NYDW for the first time

• National Youth Dance Wales partnering with Ballet Cymru for the 2022 residency, with NYDW performing alongside Ballet Cymru as part of their UK autumn tour 

• Applications are now open for the NYDW 2022 ensemble, open to young dancers aged 16-22 from Wales or based in Wales. 

Lea Anderson, one of the UK’s most pioneering choreographers, is perhaps best-known for co-founding The Cholmondeleys and The Featherstonehaughs, where she choreographed more than 100 works. In 2002, she was awarded an MBE for services to dance. 

On the announcement, Lea Anderson said: "I am so happy to be invited to make new work with National Youth Dance Wales this summer and I am looking forward to getting into the studio at last to collaborate with some wonderful young dancers." 

Also joining the artistic team for 2022 is Arielle Smith, winner of the Emerging Artist category of the National Dance Awards 2021. She has choreographed works with English National Ballet, collaborating with them in 2021 and with singer Anne-Marie to create a new work for the Team GB Olympic homecoming at Wembley.

Arielle Smith said: “I’m thrilled to be working with National Youth Dance Wales. Now more than ever is a time to come together, create, share and enjoy dance and I’m very excited to work with the next generation of talent.”

Anderson and Smith will each create a new work for National Youth Dance Wales, as NYDW come together for their first summer residency since 2019. They will then perform alongside Ballet Cymru, as part of Ballet Cymru’s autumn UK tour. 

Auditioning for NYDW 2022

Each year, National Youth Dance Wales auditions youth dancers from all parts of Wales to join the ensemble. In these friendly and supportive auditions, the young dancers will take part in a full masterclass exploring contemporary dance technique. Those selected will then go on to take part in the summer residency, creating a two new pieces of choreography for performance in the autumn. 

For the first time this year, the summer residency will be accompanied by a series of online masterclasses as part of The Celtic Collective, a partnership between NYDW and National Youth Dance Company of Scotland. This joint project helps us deliver world-class training and masterclasses to young dancers, using Zoom to connect young dance artists together. 

All young dancers aged 16-22, who were born in Wales or currently live in Wales, are eligible to audition. There are free auditions for those who need financial support – on a “no-questions-asked” basis, and bursaries of up to 100% of fees for those from lower-income families. 

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “We can’t wait to be auditioning once again in all corners of Wales, searching for the next generation of Welsh dance artists. 

“Thanks to the generous support of the Leverhulme Trust, Arts Council of Wales, and our bursary fund supporters, we can offer free auditions and up to 100% bursaries for those who need financial support – so there’s literally nothing to lose by auditioning! 

“In its 22nd year, National Youth Dance Wales is once again able to bring some of the best choreographers to Wales, allowing young dancers to experience and learn from this unique immersive experience. We can’t wait to showcase their work as they perform alongside Ballet Cymru this autumn.” 

For more information about auditioning for National Youth Dance Wales, visit www.nyaw.org.uk/auditions. The deadline for applications is Sunday 20 February, 11.59pm.

First Minister congratulates NYOW on 75th anniversary

First Minister Mark Drakeford has celebrated the importance of the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, as part of a special video message recorded for the ensemble’s 75th Anniversary in 2021.

The First Minister noted that the ensemble - which is the world’s oldest national youth orchestra - plays an important part in the rich musical landscape of Wales, by having supported thousands of young musicians and providing opportunity for them to perform to a professional standard.

He also remarked on the significance of the orchestra’s alumni network, with former members having gone on to perform in professional orchestras around the globe, as well as taking up professional roles in all manners of life, such as doctors, lawyers, teachers, business leaders and politicians.

“Whatever their background, the orchestra’s alumni go on to help shape a Wales we are proud to live in.”

— Mark Drakeford

Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, National Youth Arts Wales has provided a rich programme of support and development to its ensemble members. The First Minister expressed how important it has been for young musicians to be supported through online masterclasses, digital workshops, and wellbeing sessions through this period.

“As the National Youth Orchestra reintroduces activity in-person, it will continue to inspire young musicians of the future.”

— Mark Drakeford

As part of its anniversary celebrations in 2021, the National Youth Orchestra of Wales have recently recorded a concert featuring 10 brand new commissions of chamber pieces by Welsh composers. All of the individual performances are available to stream on AM and Youtube - watch them here.

“Congratulations once again to everyone at the National Youth Orchestra of Wales, we wish you continued success, and look forward to seeing what the next 75 years will bring.”

— Mark Drakeford

10 new digital commissions help celebrate 75 years of National Youth Orchestra of Wales

• National Youth Orchestra of Wales (NYOW) turns 75 in 2021, making it the world’s oldest national youth orchestra

• 10 new chamber works commissioned by NYOW, from Welsh composers

• Some of NYOW’s most famous alumni have been commissioned, including Sir Karl Jenkins, Hilary Tann and Patrick Rimes

National Youth Orchestra of Wales - the world’s oldest national youth orchestra – will celebrate its 75th anniversary this year, with the help of 10 new commissions by Welsh composers.

The 10 new chamber works have been commissioned by National Youth Arts Wales for the Orchestra members, and a few alumni, to perform together in small groups. Each composer was offered any combination of instruments from the Orchestra to write for and the pieces vary in scale, from trios and quartets up to chamber works for 15-20 players. Eight of the new works have already been recorded by members and alumni of NYOW in a recording session at Cardiff’s St David’s Hall, ready for a special online anniversary celebration on Thursday 21 October.

Some of NYOW’s most famous alumni are amongst the composers to have been commissioned, including Hilary Tann, Patrick Rimes, and Sir Karl Jenkins, who began his musical career as an oboist in the orchestra.

“It’s so exciting, I couldn’t wait to be back playing with people that I haven’t played with in such a long time. It’s like nothing ever changed”
Isobel, NYOW member

“To be back with National Youth Orchestra of Wales is such a pleasure, and a relief! It’s been such a long time but we’re so excited to be back.”
Nathan Dearden, Composer and NYAW Alumni

Photo: Jamie Chapman

The commissioned composers and works are:

• Jo Thomas – Seeds (for three clarinets, violin, double bass and percussion)

• Bethan Morgan-Williams – Parodi i Dri (for clarinet, violin, piano)

• Angharad Jenkins and Patrick Rimes – Music for 13 Players (Gobaith & Kost ar C’hoat)

• Lloyd Coleman – Machine (for nine wind players)

• Gareth Olubunmi Hughes – Horizon One (for chamber ensemble)

• Sir Karl Jenkins – Chums! (arranged chamber ensemble for the NYOW’s 75th anniversary)

• Mark Bowden – Wych Elm (two pieces for flute, viola and harp)

• Claire Roberts - Rhywbeth ar y gweill (for piano, percussion and strings)

• Hilary Tann – Penrhys Fanfare (for four trumpets)

Gillian Mitchell, National Youth Arts Wales’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “It is so exciting to be able to work with such an illustrious line-up of Welsh composers in this project. National Youth Orchestra of Wales has supported some of Wales’s finest musicians over the decades, and we’re delighted to have an exceptional and varied range of talent on board for this project. Whilst we’re disappointed we’re still unable to bring the full orchestra together for a residency, we’re absolutely thrilled that we are able to meet these chamber groups in person to record a concert that showcases the wonderful orchestral talents we have here in Wales.”

Each piece has been recorded and filmed with appropriate social distancing measures in place, according to public health advice at the time. Along with a range of other online activities, these have replaced the live in-person residency experience, which is still not possible due to ongoing social distancing advice. Throughout the pandemic, NYOW members have benefitted from a host of online masterclasses including from harpist Catrin Finch, violinists Patrick Rimes and Rachel Podger, trumpeter Philip Cobb and clarinettist Robert Plane.

Photo: Jamie Chapman

The world premiere of the 10 pieces will be available to stream online at 7pm on Thursday 21 October, and will be accessible for a limited time thereafter. The concert will be streamed via AM at amam.cymru/nyaw

Each piece will also be available to watch on-demand for a further six months on NYAW’s AM and Youtube channels. Access to the premiere is free-of-charge, with donations welcome to the NYAW bursary fund.

NYOW is operated by National Youth Arts Wales, founded in 2017 to lead the development of Wales’ six prestigious national ensembles, as well as a range of wider projects to provide creative opportunities to young people on the arts.

As a registered charity, National Youth Arts Wales relies on your generous donations to continually ensure that those most deserving can engage with the arts at the highest level, regardless of background or economic means. Find out how you can support us at nyaw.org.uk/support-us

Love is in the air for members of National Youth Theatre of Wales in premiere of first ever film production

Photo: Kirsten McTernan

National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) premieres their first ever film production, filmed on location throughout Wales

A cast of 14 young actors aged 16-23, from across Wales, perform an epic music-fuelled journey

Screenwriter Hanna Jarman (co-writer on S4C’s Merched Parchus) wrote a specially commissioned script inspired by the ensemble cast

An epic musical score includes a brand new song by singer-songwriter Kizzy Crawford

A co-production between NYTW and Theatr Clwyd, the production will be available to stream online from Theatr Clwyd’s website on Friday 1 – Saturday 9 October.

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A cast of 14 young members of National Youth Theatre of Wales go on an epic music-fuelled journey this October, as their digital production of Y Teimlad | That Feeling is streamed online.

In the plot, inspired by the ensemble cast and written by screenwriter Hanna Jarman, the world of ancient Love Gods collides with the reality of love in present day Wales. The vibrant, bilingual mash-up of film and theatre, with a smattering of psychedelic zoom, weaves together the stories of the young characters as they celebrate and re-define what love can be.

The title of the film is taken directly from the beautifully raw 90s song Y Teimlad by the seminal Welsh band Datblygu - and the original recording features in the production, alongside a new version inspired by the cast members, and complimented with the brand-new commission from singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford. The sad and untimely death of the band’s lead singer David R Edwards meant that the re-imaging of the themes by a new generation of young Welsh artists was bitterly poignant.

Hanna Jarman is herself an alumnus of National Youth Theatre of Wales, and was delighted to return to NYTW:

“Being part of NYTW again, 15 years after I joined the first time (as a member in 2006 and 2008) is an incredible privilege. I always say that it was the start of my career as an actor, and it’s also where I met Mari Beard, my co-writer who I work with now on a variety of projects.

“Following discussions with the cast they were really keen on performing something that was fun and specifically not about the pandemic! I really enjoyed that challenge and what better subject to discuss than love?”

It’s the fourth collaboration between NYTW and Theatr Clwyd in recent years, and with Hannah Noone, they have shaped the vision for an ambitious and entertaining theatrical film production, streamed online by Theatr Clwyd, that has focused on the skills performers need for acting for the screen – in both English and Welsh.

“Who said you need a stage to make theatre” NYTW member

The digital production is the first full production NYTW has performed under social distancing guidance. It was clear that the creative team have wanted to fully embrace a digital filmed format instead, allowing a greater platform for responding to the needs and voices of the young performers. For many of the performers, it was the first time acting in front of a camera, helping to boost their experience and skills as versatile artists.

“Had a great time and experience. It helped me so much with the film side of acting and doing a music video was crazy!” NYTW member

“It has really helped me experience different sides of acting, and the experience of acting in front of camera. It has been a blast and I've loved every second. I can't wait for the film, it's going to be amazing!” NYTW member

The collaborative approach of working with the performers was developed further with Welsh singer songwriter Kizzy Crawford, who was commissioned to write a brand-new love anthem for our times for the production Cymaint o Liwiau (So many colours) that features in a celebratory 80’s style video choreographed by Matteo Marfoglia.

Under the creative eye of filmmaker Nico Dafydd, filming took place in Covid-secure shoots in locations across Wales, ranging from panoramic vistas of the mountains and sea in Bangor, the poignant emptiness of the iconic main stages at Theatr Clwyd and Sherman Theatre, to the streets and sounds of Cardiff’s Cathays, City Centre and Butetown. Interspersed with these scenes is some highly innovative remote filming from every corner of Wales. There’s even a smattering of psychedelic zoom sessions featuring some squabbling ancient Love Gods whose meetings are elevated by the design of beautiful costumes created for the production by designer Jacob Hughes, fresh from designing at Shakespeare’s Globe’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

“I worked alongside with some amazing and passionate artists and talented cast and the most ambitious group of people I have ever met” NYTW member

Theatr Clwyd’s Artistic Director, Tamara Harvey, said: “We’re delighted to be collaborating with National Youth Theatre of Wales on ‘Y Teimlad / That Feeling’, a bold new hybrid theatre/film project written by the astonishing playwright Hannah Jarman. National Youth Theatre of Wales is an important and innovative organisation who have provided a vital stepping-stone for young Welsh performers for over 40 years. This co-production will help create a showcase for some of Wales’ most promising emerging talent.”

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “Despite the challenges of working during the Covid pandemic, we’ve been working hard to give all of our young members exciting performance opportunities – and this ambitious new commission in English and Welsh is just one example. With some of Wales’s most exciting talent involved in the production, I can’t wait to see what the final results are on screen.

“Our young members have made it clear to us just how important these performances are to them, and we know they can be proud of this epic production for screen, as they progress in their acting careers.”

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The project is just part of NYTW’s 2021 season Maniffest. This year-round programme of commissions, collaborations and new creative initiatives demonstrate what empowers young people, and to showcase Wales as young people see it in the 21st century – a vibrant, diverse and bilingual country with a strong artistic voice.

For more information about National Youth Theatre of Wales, visit www.nyaw.org.uk

The production is available to stream on selected dates between Friday 1 and Saturday 9 October. A 24-hour streaming pass costs £5 (£3 access rate, £10 supporter rate). To book tickets, visit www.theatrclwyd.com

Meet NYAW’s new Trainee Producers

National Youth Arts Wales have appointed two new Trainee Producers to its staff team, creating new opportunities for young people from under-represented backgrounds to get started with a career in the arts.

These trainee roles are designed to equip young people - who don’t necessarily have any prior experience in the arts - with the skills and knowledge to start a career within the Welsh arts industry. All of NYAW’s trainee roles are paid the Real Living Wage.

Aeron Fitzgerald joins the team as a Trainee Producer working across the breadth of National Youth Arts Wales’ projects, and Elina Lee has been appointed as a Trainee Producer with an exclusive focus on Music Futures for 2021 & 2022.

With thanks to the Youth Music Incubator Fund, which has supported the creation of the Music Futures Trainee Producer role, we’re looking ahead to providing far more opportunities for young people from under-represented backgrounds to begin their careers in 2021. We have recently recruited for a third Trainee Producer to work exclusively on our Côr Skills choral development programme, and we will also be creating six brand new Future Mentor posts later this year.

Aeron Fitzgerald, Trainee Producer, said:

“Being part of the National Youth Arts Wales team since February 2021 has been an exciting and eye-opening beginning to my career. It never occurred to me that working within the Welsh Arts Sector was a possibility for me, until I was inspired by a very passionate and driven Film teacher during my A-Levels. Fast forward a few years and I was able to graduate with an Honours Degree in Film from the University of South Wales.

As a Trainee Producer, it’s my pleasure to develop the fantastic programmes we offer alongside our staff team and numerous freelancers, and to be in close contact with our exceptional members past and present. I’m continually inspired by the dedication and talent possessed by these talented young actors, dancers and musicians across Wales, and learning about the lasting benefits NYAW has on their lives makes me feel incredibly fortunate. I’m eagerly anticipating the recruitment drive for next year’s membership, which is shaping up to be more inclusive and representative of a modern Wales than ever before.”

Elina Lee, Music Futures Trainee Producer, said:

“I am originally from Thailand but moved to Sweden where I spent the majority of my life growing up. In 2017 I moved to Cardiff to pursue a degree in Popular and Commercial Music & Vocals at the University of South Wales, where I graduated in 2020. During my time studying at USW, I was a part of the student-led Music Festival, Immersed Festival, where I was appointed Marketing Lead and got the opportunity to shape and brand the festival from start.

Joining the NYAW team as a Trainee Producer, I have had the privilege of assisting with the planning and delivery of the Music Futures project. So far it has been exciting to meet so many young people with amazing talent, and it feels rewarding to know that you are a part of their journey becoming established artists and future working musicians.

Outside of having recently joined the NYAW team, I freelance as a singer-songwriter and I create my own music projects whenever I have the time to do so. I still enjoy singing and I’m hoping to be able to perform live when the world allows it again.

What I find most exciting working with NYAW is the opportunities offered to young people. Looking back on when I first started creating music as a young person, I wish I had the same support and resources as NYAW provides to talented musicians across Wales today, and I truly believe that it is crucial to give more space for groups who are typically underrepresented within the music scene in Wales.”

New collaboration between National Youth Theatre Wales and Hijinx Academy as part of Maniffest season

Members of Hijinx Academy and National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) recently returned to live in-person theatre devising, as they co-created a new inclusive work in partnership. 

Coming together in-person for the first time since the start of social distancing restrictions, the 8 young people took part in a four-day project full of creativity and stagecraft. Under the guidance of Ben Pettit-Wade (Creative Director, Hijinx), cast members developed an original piece of theatre based upon the ideas and stories suggested by the members themselves. 

Ahead of the residency in Carmarthen’s Canolfan S4C Yr Egin, cast and creative teams came together online over Zoom to experiment, explore, and develop new ideas for the piece. To ensure the safety of all participants and staff, the project was fully compliant with social distancing and public health guidance at the time, with regular testing, social distancing and additional cleaning measures in place throughout the project.  

This new R&D work, called Maniffest/Hijinx, is the latest project as part of NYTW’s Maniffest season, a year-long exploration of youth identity and democracy in a modern Wales. It is the first step in a new way of working for National Youth Theatre Wales, combining live in-person theatre and online activity, enabling young people to collaborate with others across the country.  

On collaborating with Hijinx Theatre, Dafydd Evans, member of National Youth Theatre of Wales said: 

“My experience on the NYTW / Hijinx residency was one that will stay with me for a long time. The process of creating the piece of theatre was so enjoyable; the improvisations that our sharing eventually consisted of were so much fun that I think we often forgot that they were going to be part of the sharing. I learned so much about how theatre can be created in an alternative way to pen on paper, and how it can be interactive and immersive for an audience. I have formed great new relationships with members and staff from NYTW and Hijinx, and I can’t wait for the next opportunity for us all to meet again.” 

Hijinx Academy member Gareth said: 

“Actually meeting and actually working together in person, after months of being on Zoom, was just... there are no words to express how I feel because, it was just amazing.” 

This year’s Maniffest season is a series of productions setting out to show what empowers young people, and to showcase Wales as young people see it in the 21st century – a vibrant, diverse and bilingual country with a strong artistic voice. 

Other highlights of the Maniffest season include:  

Maniffest 16/17: A series of short films featuring original monologues by NYTW members, created by playwrights around Wales in response to 16- and 17-year-olds being eligible to vote for the first time. The first four films are available to watch here: amam.cymru/maniffest  

Maniffest at Theatr Clwyd: A brand new bilingual digital theatre production presented online, written by Hanna Jarman and co-produced with Theatr Clwyd.  

Maniffest / Mindset: A digital collaboration between NYTW and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, Malawi, exploring how young theatre-makers from different countries can come together and create theatre using their mobile phones. This work is delivered in partnership with British Council Wales. 

As a season, Maniffest will help give a voice to all communities, reflecting the diversity of young people in Wales. This will include presenting theatre in both English and Welsh. As Wales begins to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the projects are planned to be feasible both digitally and in person, depending on public health advice in place at the time. 

National Youth Arts Wales to award hundreds of extra bursaries thanks to new funding from Leverhulme Trust

National Youth Arts Wales (NYAW) has been awarded an Arts Scholarship grant of £165,448 from the Leverhulme Trust, which will support hundreds of young people from lower-income backgrounds to take part in our advanced performance training.

The funding will allow NYAW to substantially expand its current programme of bursaries and development programmes over the next four years, benefitting 240 young people each year by 2024-25.

As well as offering fee reductions of up to 100% for our summer residencies, those most in need will also receive a bursary grant to help cover travel costs and other expenses. This year, for the first time, NYAW offered automatic fee waivers for young people coming from households receiving Universal Credit, Free School Meals or full Welsh Government Learning Grants, as well as young carers, those seeking asylum or care-experienced members.

Gillian Mitchell, NYAW’s Chief Executive Officer, commented on the announcement: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive this funding from the Leverhulme Trust. It will help us continue to ensure that every young person can access our advanced performance training, regardless of their financial background.

Our aim is to make accessing a bursary as easy as possible – with no lengthy forms or requiring lots of evidence. We want to reduce the stigma and ensure this funding helps those it’s intended to help – the most talented young musicians, actors and dancers from every single community across Wales.”

This grant makes the Leverhulme Trust the Principal Supporter of the NYAW Bursary Fund. The Bursary Fund is also supported annually by the Neil and Mary Ellen Webber Bursary Fund, and the Friends of National Youth Orchestra of Wales. We’re also grateful to all the individuals who give to our bursary fund by direct debit – you can join them by visiting https://www.nyaw.org.uk/support-us.

NYAW’s expanded bursary scheme is just one part of the ongoing effort to work towards a more equitable arts sector for young performers. NYAW is also expanding its range of development projects, designed to provide targeted tuition to young people from under-represented communities, such as those with a disability, or from communities who experience racism.

Later in 2021, NYAW will publish the independent recommendations from a series of Diversity Taskforces, across music, dance and theatre, alongside a new updated Strategic Equality Plan. The recommendations and plan will both contain targets to increase the proportion of young participants who identify as D/deaf or disabled, and the proportion of participants who come from racialised communities.

National Youth Theatre of Wales premieres new four short films as voting age lowered to 16

Members of National Youth Theatre of Wales (NYTW) recently launched a series of short filmed monologues about youth democracy, as 16- and 17-year olds across the country got ready to vote for the first time in the Senedd Cymru elections.  

In #Maniffest1617, National Youth Theatre of Wales has commissioned new monologues from prominent Welsh writers, which have been filmed on location in each member’s own community. The creative process was a collaboration between the young members and a team of writers, directors, and filmmakers. Some of the pieces are fictional characters and some are spoken in the first person, but all the finished pieces reflect their thoughts and feelings about youth representation and how their voices are heard. 

On taking part in the filming, NYTW member Megan said: "It was important for me to express the sense of pride and identity that my home brings me. It's time to fight for the rights of the people and place that made me the person I am today." 

The first four films in the series premiered on the AM platform on Thursday 6 May, 7pm, and are available to watch online at amam.cymru/maniffest.  The new commissions and performers involved are:  

• Mari Izzard’s Siân of Arc, written for Lauren, a NYTW member from Cardiff (performed in English and Welsh), where Lauren plays the part of an 18-year-old launching her political campaign for First Minister; 

• Catherine Dyson’s Manifest for Megan, written for Megan, a NYTW member from Treorchy (performed in English), a lyrical response to Megan’s relationship with her local community and environment;  

• Matthew Bulgo’s The Future, written for Sam, a NYTW member from Neath (performed in English), an endearing performance tracing his political awakening;  

• Manon Steffan Ros’s Fama, written for Dyddgu from Bethesda (performed in Welsh), a funny, moving reflection on the power of community.  

As well as producing the new commissions, National Youth Arts Wales has been a key partner in the Electoral Reform Society’s Election Engagement Working Group, helping to encourage young people to register to vote ahead of the April deadline. NYAW has also worked with the Urdd and Senedd Cymru to help raise awareness amongst all NYAW ensemble members, including taking part in mock elections and writing their own manifesto. This work is supported by the UK Democracy Fund, a Joseph Rowntree Reform Trust initiative.  

Gillian Mitchell, Chief Executive of National Youth Arts Wales, said: “Despite the challenges of working during the Covid pandemic, we think it’s extremely important that the voices of young people are heard during this election.  

“This exciting project, with brand new commissions in English and Welsh, is just part of our extensive work to help talented young performers across Wales to develop their own voice, and to continue their artistic training despite ongoing disruption.”  

The ambitious project is the first part of NYTW’s 2021 season Maniffest, launched today. This year-round programme of new work will show what empowers young people, and to showcase Wales as young people see it in the 21st century – a vibrant, diverse and bilingual country with a strong artistic voice. 

Other highlights of the Maniffest season confirmed so far include: 

• Maniffest at Theatr Clwyd: A brand new bilingual digital theatre production presented online, written by Hanna Jarman and co-produced with Theatr Clwyd. 

• Maniffest x Hijinx: A new devised theatre piece created in West Wales in partnership with Hijinx, one of Europe’s leading inclusive theatre companies of learning disabled and/or autistic artists 

• Maniffest / Mindset: A digital collaboration between NYTW and Solomonic Peacocks Theatre, Malawi, exploring how young theatre-makers from different countries can come together and create theatre using their mobile phones. This work is delivered in partnership with British Council Wales.  

• A collaboration between NYTW and Scottish Youth Theatre, delivered bilingually in Welsh and Scots Gaelic.  

As a season, Maniffest will help give a voice to all communities, reflecting the diversity of young people in Wales. This will include presenting theatre in both English and Welsh. As Wales begins to recover from the impacts of COVID-19, the projects are planned to be feasible both digitally and in person, depending on public health advice in place at the time.