Theatr Soar, the home of Menter Iaith Merthyr Tudful, has joined forces with The Welfare in Ystradgynlais, Maesteg Town Hall and Theatr na nÓg to create a new collaboration ‘Y Consortiwm Cymraeg’.

The aim is to present high-quality accessible Welsh language theatre. They also aim to produce a programme of participation for communities to improve their language skills and also engage in arts and culture on their doorstep and to rekindle the vitality and value of their venues to their communities.

The new Consortiwm is supported by the Arts Council of Wales’ Connect and Flourish Fund. As cultural centres have faced lockdown, the need for these creative hubs in their communities is even greater, not just to help safeguard the future of Welsh language in the valleys, but to support a thriving valley community beyond the Covid Pandemic.

The Consortiwm’s first collaboration will be a translation and adaptation of the classic comedy Shirley Valentine written by Willy Russel. Translated originally by Manon Eames, this version sees Shirley transported from Liverpool to South Wales.

Lis Mclean, Chief Officer of Menter Iaith Merthyr Tudful, says:

“This is a really inspirational venture, Theatr Soar has been wanting to develop Welsh language theatre to raise aspirations and increase the use of Welsh in our community for some time now. This has been made possible by working in collaboration with others who share the same values and vision. The Consortiwm Cymraeg encapsulates what Theatr Soar stands for.”

Consortiwm’s adaptation of Shirley Valentine is scheduled to tour to the Consortiwm venues and the rest of Wales in September 2021, opening in Soar Merthyr. To sign up to updates go to www.theatr-nanog.co.uk