Voices from Underground
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"Voices from Underground" is a year long project aimed at marking the 40th anniversary of the 1984/85 UK Miners Strikes, and the impact and legacy of the period on former mining communities and their residents
The project is marking the anniversaries through a range of arts and community events and projects throughout the period from March 2024 through to March 2025, the anniversaries of the beginning and end of the 84/85 strikes |
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Information on plans and events to date, both forthcoming and which have already taken place, are outlined below, beginning with a series of images and outline of the FREE Voices From Underground launch event which took place at St Elvan's, on Saturday February 17th 2024
Events continue to be held across the former South Wales coalfields and will continue to be so through to March 2025. Details of all events - future and past - are available below
If you are holding an event in your community to mark the Miners Strikes anniversary, or would like support in organising one, please scroll down for a list of resources, or contact us here
Up to the minute progress on the project is also available on the Voices From Underground Facebook page here
Events continue to be held across the former South Wales coalfields and will continue to be so through to March 2025. Details of all events - future and past - are available below
If you are holding an event in your community to mark the Miners Strikes anniversary, or would like support in organising one, please scroll down for a list of resources, or contact us here
Up to the minute progress on the project is also available on the Voices From Underground Facebook page here
Project Launch
A FREE launch event for the Voices From Underground and accompanying Coalfield Communities projects took place at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley on Saturday February 17th
The purpose of the event was to bring together interested parties and potential event | project partners and venues, to stimulate discussion and activity around this iconic event and turning point in the history of former coalfields communities
The event featured guests speakers, male voice choir, brass band and vocalists, an open discussion around the strikes and their legacy, plus an exciting new dolby atmos sonic arts experience "Black Gold"
Over 150 people attended the event and a series of images and a timetable for the day are outlined below, together with a list of all the additional events scheduled throughout this year. Please scroll down for details
The purpose of the event was to bring together interested parties and potential event | project partners and venues, to stimulate discussion and activity around this iconic event and turning point in the history of former coalfields communities
The event featured guests speakers, male voice choir, brass band and vocalists, an open discussion around the strikes and their legacy, plus an exciting new dolby atmos sonic arts experience "Black Gold"
Over 150 people attended the event and a series of images and a timetable for the day are outlined below, together with a list of all the additional events scheduled throughout this year. Please scroll down for details
Voices from Underground Project Launch
Saturday February 17th
St Elvan's, Church Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AB
11:00 to 12:30
Comm-Unity Cuppa
informal open discussion and "meet & greet" to discuss the Miners Strikes, and the legacy and impact of the same over complimentary tea & coffee
www.stelvans.com/comm-unity-cuppa
13:00
Voices from Underground Launch Event
Musical Item
"I Bob Un Sydd Fyddlon"
Cwmbach Male Choir & Lewis Merthyr Band
Opening Remarks
Mike Church
The Strikes and their Legacy
Beth Winter MP
Musical Item
"Calon Lan"
Cwmbach Male Choir & Lewis Merthyr Band
The 1972 | 74 Miners Strikes and into 1984 | 85
Darren Macey | Ceri Thompson
Musical Item
"Cwm Rhondda"
Cwmbach Male Choir & Lewis Merthyr Band
Women & The Strikes
Ann Jones
Impact On The Community
Father Robert Davies SSC
1984 | 85
Sian James MP
Musical Item
"The Pits of the Valleys Are Gone"
David Thomas & Ben Casey
Black Gold
Sylvia Strand & Jonathan Gregory
Ein Lle Ni
Musical Item
"Yma O Hyd | Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"
Saturday February 17th
St Elvan's, Church Street, Aberdare, CF44 7AB
11:00 to 12:30
Comm-Unity Cuppa
informal open discussion and "meet & greet" to discuss the Miners Strikes, and the legacy and impact of the same over complimentary tea & coffee
www.stelvans.com/comm-unity-cuppa
13:00
Voices from Underground Launch Event
Musical Item
"I Bob Un Sydd Fyddlon"
Cwmbach Male Choir & Lewis Merthyr Band
Opening Remarks
Mike Church
The Strikes and their Legacy
Beth Winter MP
Musical Item
"Calon Lan"
Cwmbach Male Choir & Lewis Merthyr Band
The 1972 | 74 Miners Strikes and into 1984 | 85
Darren Macey | Ceri Thompson
Musical Item
"Cwm Rhondda"
Cwmbach Male Choir & Lewis Merthyr Band
Women & The Strikes
Ann Jones
Impact On The Community
Father Robert Davies SSC
1984 | 85
Sian James MP
Musical Item
"The Pits of the Valleys Are Gone"
David Thomas & Ben Casey
Black Gold
Sylvia Strand & Jonathan Gregory
Ein Lle Ni
Musical Item
"Yma O Hyd | Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau"
Additional Voices from Underground Events
Below can be found a list of existing Miners Strikes anniversary events already scheduled, beginning with forthcoming events and followed by those that have already taken place
If your community is marking the miners strikes anniversaries in 2024 | 25 and you would like your event added here, please contact us
We'd love to see additional events spring up across Wales and wider from March 2024 through to March 2025. A range of resources and contacts who may be able to help organise an event in your community are available toward the bottom of this page
Forthcoming Events
Ongoing
Coalfield Communities
"Coalfield Communities - Then & Now" is an open photography project, which everyone can participate in
The project aims to create a collection of images from across the South Wales and wider ,of locations where coalmines were based, set against new images of those same locations today
Join us in creating this real time illustration of our coalfield communities, then and now
For full information, and details of how you and your community can participate, click here
Coalfield Communities
"Coalfield Communities - Then & Now" is an open photography project, which everyone can participate in
The project aims to create a collection of images from across the South Wales and wider ,of locations where coalmines were based, set against new images of those same locations today
Join us in creating this real time illustration of our coalfield communities, then and now
For full information, and details of how you and your community can participate, click here
Ongoing
June 2024 to March 2025
The Cosmos, Collieries & Cynefin
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/cosmos-collieries-cynefin
June 2024 to March 2025
The Cosmos, Collieries & Cynefin
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/cosmos-collieries-cynefin
Saturday November 2nd
Strike Out! presents
Pits & Perverts 40th anniversary
Chapter Arts, Cardiff
40 years on from the 1984-85 miners’ strike, join us for an evening of celebration and learning with Strike Out
Experience a human library of speakers – from those involved in Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) in the 80s, to workers fighting for their rights and the liberation of Queer and working-class people in Wales today
Enjoy the best of local talent through drag, choral singing and live music, and dance the night away with a local DJ. You’ll leave the celebration feeling the warmth of community, history and solidarity!
Strike Out are a group of Queer activists in Cardiff showing solidarity with worker and migrant causes, having taken inspiration from both the original LGSM and Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants. They organise fundraising events across Cardiff and donate all funds to strike funds and organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ migrants.
www.chapter.org/whats-on/pits-and-perverts-an-anniversary
Strike Out! presents
Pits & Perverts 40th anniversary
Chapter Arts, Cardiff
40 years on from the 1984-85 miners’ strike, join us for an evening of celebration and learning with Strike Out
Experience a human library of speakers – from those involved in Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) in the 80s, to workers fighting for their rights and the liberation of Queer and working-class people in Wales today
Enjoy the best of local talent through drag, choral singing and live music, and dance the night away with a local DJ. You’ll leave the celebration feeling the warmth of community, history and solidarity!
Strike Out are a group of Queer activists in Cardiff showing solidarity with worker and migrant causes, having taken inspiration from both the original LGSM and Lesbians and Gays Support the Migrants. They organise fundraising events across Cardiff and donate all funds to strike funds and organisations supporting LGBTQIA+ migrants.
www.chapter.org/whats-on/pits-and-perverts-an-anniversary
November TBA
Voices from Underground Legacy Meeting
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Voices from Underground Legacy Meeting
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Saturday March 1st 2025
Voices from Underground Closing Event
St David's Day Celebration
Massed Bands & Choirs
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Voices from Underground Closing Event
St David's Day Celebration
Massed Bands & Choirs
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Previous Voices From Underground Events
Below is a list of events that have already taken place, since the project launch in February 2024
Saturday February 17th
Voices From Underground Project Launch
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground
Voices From Underground Project Launch
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/voices-from-underground
Friday February 23rd
Coedely Colliery Miners Reunion Celebration
Ely Valley Miners
from 19:00
www.facebook.com/elyvalleyminers
Coedely Colliery Miners Reunion Celebration
Ely Valley Miners
from 19:00
www.facebook.com/elyvalleyminers
March to May
Photographic Exhibition
Richard Williams
Rhondda Heritage Park
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark
Photographic Exhibition
Richard Williams
Rhondda Heritage Park
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark
Saturday March 2nd
Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data Conference
"The Past In The Present - Reflections on coal mining and the miners' strike 1984-85"
Bute Building, Cardiff University
The 40th anniversary of the coal miners’ strike is being marked with a conference organised by the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD). The conference will begin with a showing of the film “Breaking Point” made and introduced by the acclaimed Swedish director Kjell-Ake Andersson. The film was made in Oakdale in February 1985 as the strike was beginning to break and focuses on ways in which solidarity is maintained, the views of the Lodge officials and the activities of the women’s support group
There will be two plenary sessions and a series of eight panel meetings. The plenaries focus on ‘Women, place and community in the strike and today’ and ‘The End of Coal – Contours of a Decarbonised Economy’. The panel discussions will examine the strike in a historical context and consider issues of public ownership, trade union organisation and strike strategy, building solidarity, the role of the state and the media in industrial relations, memories of the strike, the changing class structure and the distinctiveness of the coalfields
The conference will feature banners from NUM lodges around the South Wales coalfield and photographic representation of coal mining and the strike. The conference features a stellar cast of speakers from both the academy and those directly involved in the unions both in 1984 and today
The Past In The Present – Programme
The Speakers
wiserd.ac.uk/event/the-past-in-the-present-reflections-on-coalmining-and-the-miners-strike-1984-85
Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data Conference
"The Past In The Present - Reflections on coal mining and the miners' strike 1984-85"
Bute Building, Cardiff University
The 40th anniversary of the coal miners’ strike is being marked with a conference organised by the Wales Institute of Social and Economic Research and Data (WISERD). The conference will begin with a showing of the film “Breaking Point” made and introduced by the acclaimed Swedish director Kjell-Ake Andersson. The film was made in Oakdale in February 1985 as the strike was beginning to break and focuses on ways in which solidarity is maintained, the views of the Lodge officials and the activities of the women’s support group
There will be two plenary sessions and a series of eight panel meetings. The plenaries focus on ‘Women, place and community in the strike and today’ and ‘The End of Coal – Contours of a Decarbonised Economy’. The panel discussions will examine the strike in a historical context and consider issues of public ownership, trade union organisation and strike strategy, building solidarity, the role of the state and the media in industrial relations, memories of the strike, the changing class structure and the distinctiveness of the coalfields
The conference will feature banners from NUM lodges around the South Wales coalfield and photographic representation of coal mining and the strike. The conference features a stellar cast of speakers from both the academy and those directly involved in the unions both in 1984 and today
The Past In The Present – Programme
The Speakers
wiserd.ac.uk/event/the-past-in-the-present-reflections-on-coalmining-and-the-miners-strike-1984-85
Wednesday March 6th to Friday March 8th
Awen Cultural Trust
Miners Strikes 40th Anniversary Event
Blaengarw Workmen's Hall
Open Photographic Exhibition
Wednesday to Friday
11:00 to 16:00
Wednesday 6th March marked the 40th anniversary of the start of the Miners' Strike that changed the Welsh valleys. Blaengarw Workmen's Hall commemorated this anniversary by hosting a photo exhibition of Blaengarw during the strike. The exhibition was open and free for all to visit from Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th March, 11am-4pm.
Free Talk with Richard Williams, Photographer
Friday March 8th
18:30
Doors Open from 18:00
awenboxoffice.com/blaengarw-workmens-hall
The photos in the Miners' Strike photo exhibition were taken by Richard Williams, a young photographer at the time. Richard now has over 35 years' experience as a professional photographer, picture editor and videographer, recording national and international events
These projects were funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend CBC #UKSPF
Awen Cultural Trust
Miners Strikes 40th Anniversary Event
Blaengarw Workmen's Hall
Open Photographic Exhibition
Wednesday to Friday
11:00 to 16:00
Wednesday 6th March marked the 40th anniversary of the start of the Miners' Strike that changed the Welsh valleys. Blaengarw Workmen's Hall commemorated this anniversary by hosting a photo exhibition of Blaengarw during the strike. The exhibition was open and free for all to visit from Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th March, 11am-4pm.
Free Talk with Richard Williams, Photographer
Friday March 8th
18:30
Doors Open from 18:00
awenboxoffice.com/blaengarw-workmens-hall
The photos in the Miners' Strike photo exhibition were taken by Richard Williams, a young photographer at the time. Richard now has over 35 years' experience as a professional photographer, picture editor and videographer, recording national and international events
These projects were funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend CBC #UKSPF
March 7th to 9th
Turning The Wheel
A new musical by Kieran Bailey
Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy
Directed by Llinos Daniel, and a co-production with RCT Theatres, coal, culture and community come to life in this brand-new musical by Kieran Bailey, which celebrates the history, humour, hardships and hiraeth of the South Wales valleys. Join Marco Mancini at his Italian café where the story unravels from the hub of the community, at a time when coal was king and miners’ lives were cheap. This inspiring tale explores the deep sense of community spirit and camaraderie that inspired the working classes of industrial Wales to rise-up and make their voices heard. With every note, every step, and every original song, immerse yourself in this life-affirming masterpiece
A brand-new musical with an outstanding cast of performers and musicians
Supported by Arts Council of Wales and Pen Y Cymoedd Community Wind Farm Fund
Thu 7 Mar 2024 7:30pm
Fri 8 Mar 2024 7:30pm
Sat 9 Mar 2024 2:00pm
rct-theatres.co.uk/event/turning-the-wheel
Turning The Wheel
A new musical by Kieran Bailey
Park & Dare Theatre, Treorchy
Directed by Llinos Daniel, and a co-production with RCT Theatres, coal, culture and community come to life in this brand-new musical by Kieran Bailey, which celebrates the history, humour, hardships and hiraeth of the South Wales valleys. Join Marco Mancini at his Italian café where the story unravels from the hub of the community, at a time when coal was king and miners’ lives were cheap. This inspiring tale explores the deep sense of community spirit and camaraderie that inspired the working classes of industrial Wales to rise-up and make their voices heard. With every note, every step, and every original song, immerse yourself in this life-affirming masterpiece
A brand-new musical with an outstanding cast of performers and musicians
Supported by Arts Council of Wales and Pen Y Cymoedd Community Wind Farm Fund
Thu 7 Mar 2024 7:30pm
Fri 8 Mar 2024 7:30pm
Sat 9 Mar 2024 2:00pm
rct-theatres.co.uk/event/turning-the-wheel
Thursday March 21st to Saturday March 23rd
Awen Cultural Trust
"Behind The Picket Lines"
Interactive Travelling Exhibition
Thursday March 21st
Blaengarw Workmen's Hall
11:00 to 16:00
awenboxoffice.com/blaengarw-workmens-hall
Friday March 22nd
Maesteg Library
www.awen-libraries.com/maesteg-library
Saturday March 23rd
Pyle Library
www.awen-libraries.com/pyle-library
On Thursday 21st March Awen Cultural Trust hosted an interactive exhibition in Blaengarw Workmen's Hall. "Behind the Picket Lines" is a travelling exhibition crafted to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Welsh Miners' Strike. The display includes printed portraits, an audio-visual installation and a Virtual Reality experience
This free event was open from 11am till 4pm on Thursday 21st March. 'Behind the Picket Lines' then moved to Maesteg Library on Friday 22nd March, and to Pyle Library on Saturday 23rd March
This project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend CBC #UKSPF
Awen Cultural Trust
"Behind The Picket Lines"
Interactive Travelling Exhibition
Thursday March 21st
Blaengarw Workmen's Hall
11:00 to 16:00
awenboxoffice.com/blaengarw-workmens-hall
Friday March 22nd
Maesteg Library
www.awen-libraries.com/maesteg-library
Saturday March 23rd
Pyle Library
www.awen-libraries.com/pyle-library
On Thursday 21st March Awen Cultural Trust hosted an interactive exhibition in Blaengarw Workmen's Hall. "Behind the Picket Lines" is a travelling exhibition crafted to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Welsh Miners' Strike. The display includes printed portraits, an audio-visual installation and a Virtual Reality experience
This free event was open from 11am till 4pm on Thursday 21st March. 'Behind the Picket Lines' then moved to Maesteg Library on Friday 22nd March, and to Pyle Library on Saturday 23rd March
This project was funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend CBC #UKSPF
Thursday April 11th, 7:30pm
Avant Cymru | Lewis Merthyr Band
Atgofion Aberfan | The Silent Volunteer
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
A collaboration between Avant Cymru and Lewis Merthyr Band, "Atgofion Aberfan" is centred around "Hiraeth", the incredibly poignant real-life story of playwright Sue Bevan. Sue was a ten year old volunteer at the Aberfan tragedy. Inspired by Sue's story, Avant reached out to the community. They heard in Tylorstown how recent landslides had affected people's lives; they heard from survivors of Aberfan about how they were told "not to talk about" the tragedy; grieving families who were encouraged not to speak, and not to share what they had experienced and saw...
Avant explored how the disaster shaped the lives of our community and, alongside Sue Bevan's incredible story, Avant are now ready to talk further, to share what they have, and what members of the community now want to be shared. "The Silent Volunteer" is a play about the voices that haven't yet found the words to speak, but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”
The evening also featured a performance of Welsh composer Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem", an incredibly poignant work which received a standing ovation at its premiere performance by the award winning Lewis Merthyr Band at the prestigious Oriana Festival, hosted at St Elvan's in October 2023. This incredibly powerful work was reprised here especially for this production and is available to view below
Avant Cymru | Lewis Merthyr Band
Atgofion Aberfan | The Silent Volunteer
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
A collaboration between Avant Cymru and Lewis Merthyr Band, "Atgofion Aberfan" is centred around "Hiraeth", the incredibly poignant real-life story of playwright Sue Bevan. Sue was a ten year old volunteer at the Aberfan tragedy. Inspired by Sue's story, Avant reached out to the community. They heard in Tylorstown how recent landslides had affected people's lives; they heard from survivors of Aberfan about how they were told "not to talk about" the tragedy; grieving families who were encouraged not to speak, and not to share what they had experienced and saw...
Avant explored how the disaster shaped the lives of our community and, alongside Sue Bevan's incredible story, Avant are now ready to talk further, to share what they have, and what members of the community now want to be shared. "The Silent Volunteer" is a play about the voices that haven't yet found the words to speak, but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”
The evening also featured a performance of Welsh composer Gareth Trott's "Aberfan Requiem", an incredibly poignant work which received a standing ovation at its premiere performance by the award winning Lewis Merthyr Band at the prestigious Oriana Festival, hosted at St Elvan's in October 2023. This incredibly powerful work was reprised here especially for this production and is available to view below
Thursday April 11th & Friday April 12th
Avant Cymru
The Silent Volunteer
Thursday April 11th, 2:00pm
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Tickets: £12 or "Pay As You Feel"
www.ticketsource.co.uk/avantcymru/the-silent-volunteer/e-dqmerl
Friday April 12th, 2:00pm
Tylorstown Welfare Hall
Tickets: £12 or "Pay As You Feel"
www.ticketsource.co.uk/avantcymru/the-silent-volunteer/e-xgjlxr
Friday April 12th, 7:00pm
Tylorstown Welfare Hall
Tickets: £12 or "Pay As You Feel"
www.ticketsource.co.uk/avantcymru/the-silent-volunteer/e-xgjlke
Following on from their extremely well received conversation and presentation of Hiraeth in 2022, Avant Cymru also presented their new production "The Silent Volunteer" in April at Tylorstown Welfare Hall
The presentation is centred around poignant real-life stories of survivors and volunteers of the Aberfan disaster. Playwright Sue Bevan was a ten year old volunteer at the Aberfan tragedy. Inspired by Sue's story, Avant reached out to the community. They heard in Tylorstown how recent landslides had affected people's lives; they heard from survivors of Aberfan about how they were told "not to talk about" the tragedy; grieving families who were encouraged not to speak, and not to share what they had experienced and saw.
Avant explored how the disaster has shaped the lives of our community and, alongside Sue Bevan's incredible story, Avant are now ready to talk further, to share what they have, and what members of the community now want to be shared. "The Silent Volunteer" is a play about the voices that haven't yet found the words to speak, but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”, it was not a natural disaster.
Yn dilyn eu sgwrs a'u cyflwyniad hynod boblogaidd o Hiraeth yn 2022, mae Avant Cymru yn cyflwyno eu cynhyrchiad newydd "The Silent Volunteer" fis Ebrill hwn yn Neuadd Les Tylorstown.
Mae'r noson yn canolbwyntio ar straeon bywyd go iawn ingol am Suvivors a gwirfoddolwyr trychineb Aberfan. Roedd y dramodydd Sue Bevan yn wirfoddolwr deng mlwydd oed yn nhrasiedi Aberfan. Wedi'i ysbrydoli gan stori Sue, estynnodd Avant allan i'r gymuned. Fe glywson nhw yn Tylorstown sut roedd tirlithriadau diweddar wedi effeithio ar fywydau pobl; clywsant gan oroeswyr Aberfan am sut y dywedwyd wrthynt "i beidio â siarad am" y trasiedi; teuluoedd galarus a gafodd eu hannog i beidio â siarad, ac i beidio â rhannu'r hyn yr oeddent wedi'i brofi a'i weld...
Mae Avant wedi bod yn archwilio sut mae'r drychineb wedi siapio bywydau ein cymuned ac, ochr yn ochr â stori anhygoel Sue Bevan, mae Avant bellach yn barod i siarad ymhellach, i rannu'r hyn sydd ganddynt, a pha aelodau o'r gymuned sydd bellach am gael eu rhannu
Mae "The Silent Volunteer" yn ddrama am y lleisiau sydd heb ddod o hyd i'r geiriau i siarad eto, ond sydd eisiau i'r byd wybod nad oedd trychineb Aberfan yn "weithred o Dduw", nid trychineb naturiol oedd hi
Avant Cymru
The Silent Volunteer
Thursday April 11th, 2:00pm
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
Tickets: £12 or "Pay As You Feel"
www.ticketsource.co.uk/avantcymru/the-silent-volunteer/e-dqmerl
Friday April 12th, 2:00pm
Tylorstown Welfare Hall
Tickets: £12 or "Pay As You Feel"
www.ticketsource.co.uk/avantcymru/the-silent-volunteer/e-xgjlxr
Friday April 12th, 7:00pm
Tylorstown Welfare Hall
Tickets: £12 or "Pay As You Feel"
www.ticketsource.co.uk/avantcymru/the-silent-volunteer/e-xgjlke
Following on from their extremely well received conversation and presentation of Hiraeth in 2022, Avant Cymru also presented their new production "The Silent Volunteer" in April at Tylorstown Welfare Hall
The presentation is centred around poignant real-life stories of survivors and volunteers of the Aberfan disaster. Playwright Sue Bevan was a ten year old volunteer at the Aberfan tragedy. Inspired by Sue's story, Avant reached out to the community. They heard in Tylorstown how recent landslides had affected people's lives; they heard from survivors of Aberfan about how they were told "not to talk about" the tragedy; grieving families who were encouraged not to speak, and not to share what they had experienced and saw.
Avant explored how the disaster has shaped the lives of our community and, alongside Sue Bevan's incredible story, Avant are now ready to talk further, to share what they have, and what members of the community now want to be shared. "The Silent Volunteer" is a play about the voices that haven't yet found the words to speak, but who want the world to know the Aberfan disaster was not “an act of God”, it was not a natural disaster.
Yn dilyn eu sgwrs a'u cyflwyniad hynod boblogaidd o Hiraeth yn 2022, mae Avant Cymru yn cyflwyno eu cynhyrchiad newydd "The Silent Volunteer" fis Ebrill hwn yn Neuadd Les Tylorstown.
Mae'r noson yn canolbwyntio ar straeon bywyd go iawn ingol am Suvivors a gwirfoddolwyr trychineb Aberfan. Roedd y dramodydd Sue Bevan yn wirfoddolwr deng mlwydd oed yn nhrasiedi Aberfan. Wedi'i ysbrydoli gan stori Sue, estynnodd Avant allan i'r gymuned. Fe glywson nhw yn Tylorstown sut roedd tirlithriadau diweddar wedi effeithio ar fywydau pobl; clywsant gan oroeswyr Aberfan am sut y dywedwyd wrthynt "i beidio â siarad am" y trasiedi; teuluoedd galarus a gafodd eu hannog i beidio â siarad, ac i beidio â rhannu'r hyn yr oeddent wedi'i brofi a'i weld...
Mae Avant wedi bod yn archwilio sut mae'r drychineb wedi siapio bywydau ein cymuned ac, ochr yn ochr â stori anhygoel Sue Bevan, mae Avant bellach yn barod i siarad ymhellach, i rannu'r hyn sydd ganddynt, a pha aelodau o'r gymuned sydd bellach am gael eu rhannu
Mae "The Silent Volunteer" yn ddrama am y lleisiau sydd heb ddod o hyd i'r geiriau i siarad eto, ond sydd eisiau i'r byd wybod nad oedd trychineb Aberfan yn "weithred o Dduw", nid trychineb naturiol oedd hi
Saturday June 1st
Deep Navigation Colliery Celebration
Hosted by Treharris RFC
12:00pm
March through the village to Treharris RFC
12:00 to 17:00
Public Family Fun Day
18:00
Live Music with Noughts & Crosses
All Miners and Officials of surrounding pits welcome
Deep Navigation Colliery Celebration
Hosted by Treharris RFC
12:00pm
March through the village to Treharris RFC
12:00 to 17:00
Public Family Fun Day
18:00
Live Music with Noughts & Crosses
All Miners and Officials of surrounding pits welcome
Throughout July
Exhibition
"Made In Aberdare - E. Thomas & Williams"
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/exhibitions
Exhibition
"Made In Aberdare - E. Thomas & Williams"
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/exhibitions
Throughout September
Exhibition
"Proud Valley - The Life & Legacy of Paul Robeson"
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/exhibitions
Exhibition
"Proud Valley - The Life & Legacy of Paul Robeson"
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
www.stelvans.com/exhibitions
Friday September 27th
FREE Heritage Talk
Proud Valley - The Life and Legacy of Paul Robeson
Darren Macey
Mezzanine Gallery
13:00 to 15:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/free-heritage-talk-proud-valley-the-life-and-legacy-of-paul-robeson/e-lqavkq
FREE Heritage Talk
Proud Valley - The Life and Legacy of Paul Robeson
Darren Macey
Mezzanine Gallery
13:00 to 15:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/free-heritage-talk-proud-valley-the-life-and-legacy-of-paul-robeson/e-lqavkq
Saturday September 28th
"Robeson - A Celebration"
with Tayo Aluko & Cwmbach Male Choir
19:00 to 21:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/t-krerxgj
"Robeson - A Celebration"
with Tayo Aluko & Cwmbach Male Choir
19:00 to 21:00
www.ticketsource.co.uk/stelvans/t-krerxgj
Thursday September 26th
WAM from Underground
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
A mining special of the popular monthly Words Art Music event at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley featuring Words, Art & Music all by ex-miners, presented by Mike Church
www.stelvans.com/wam-words-art-music
WAM from Underground
St Elvan's, Cynon Valley
A mining special of the popular monthly Words Art Music event at St Elvan's, Cynon Valley featuring Words, Art & Music all by ex-miners, presented by Mike Church
www.stelvans.com/wam-words-art-music
October 11th to 26th
Odyssey 84
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Written by Tim Price | Directed by Joe Murphy
The personal and the political collide in Tim Price’s beautiful and heartfelt re-telling of the 1984 Miners’ Strike, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey
“So. Man of many turns. Tell us your story. From the beginning”
As the strike begins miner John O’Donnell finds himself thrust into a fight for survival, taking him far from South Wales. Meanwhile, at home, his wife Penny goes on her own epic personal journey whilst striving to support her community. When they are finally reunited, they find that their very different journeys have transformed their lives forever
Set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in our recent history, Odyssey ’84 promises a spectacular theatre experience. This major new play tells of the adventures our ideals take us on
The performances from 11 to 14 October will be "Pay As You Feel"
Tickets will go on sale in mid 2024
BSL interpretation by Tony Evans (17 October, 7.30pm and 24 October, 7.30pm)
Thu 17 Oct - 7:30pm BSL interpreted
Thu 24 Oct - 7:30pm BSL interpreted
Mon 21 Oct - 6:30pm Relaxed Performance
Tue 22 Oct - 7:30pm Audio Described
Thu 24 Oct - 7:30pm Captioned
Sat 26 Oct - 2pm Captioned
www.shermantheatre.co.uk/event/odyssey-84
Odyssey 84
Sherman Theatre, Cardiff
Written by Tim Price | Directed by Joe Murphy
The personal and the political collide in Tim Price’s beautiful and heartfelt re-telling of the 1984 Miners’ Strike, inspired by Homer’s Odyssey
“So. Man of many turns. Tell us your story. From the beginning”
As the strike begins miner John O’Donnell finds himself thrust into a fight for survival, taking him far from South Wales. Meanwhile, at home, his wife Penny goes on her own epic personal journey whilst striving to support her community. When they are finally reunited, they find that their very different journeys have transformed their lives forever
Set against the backdrop of one of the most turbulent periods in our recent history, Odyssey ’84 promises a spectacular theatre experience. This major new play tells of the adventures our ideals take us on
The performances from 11 to 14 October will be "Pay As You Feel"
Tickets will go on sale in mid 2024
BSL interpretation by Tony Evans (17 October, 7.30pm and 24 October, 7.30pm)
Thu 17 Oct - 7:30pm BSL interpreted
Thu 24 Oct - 7:30pm BSL interpreted
Mon 21 Oct - 6:30pm Relaxed Performance
Tue 22 Oct - 7:30pm Audio Described
Thu 24 Oct - 7:30pm Captioned
Sat 26 Oct - 2pm Captioned
www.shermantheatre.co.uk/event/odyssey-84
Friday October 25th
Pride LIVE!
10th anniversary special
with Tredegar Band, Morriston Orpheus Choir, The Alternative Orchestra & Special Guest Bronwen Lewis
Swansea Arena
www.swansea-arena.co.uk/shows/pride-10th-anniversary-special-film-with-live-orchestra
Pride LIVE!
10th anniversary special
with Tredegar Band, Morriston Orpheus Choir, The Alternative Orchestra & Special Guest Bronwen Lewis
Swansea Arena
www.swansea-arena.co.uk/shows/pride-10th-anniversary-special-film-with-live-orchestra
Additional Resources
Below is a list of resources & contacts for venues and communities interested in promoting their own Voices from Underground events
If you would like your project, group or resource added to the listing, please contact us here
"Black Gold"
Ein Lle Ni
Jonathan & Sylvia Gregory
dolby atmos mining sonic arts project
www.facebook.com/groups/einlleni
"Brass & Voices of Wales"
Lewis Merthyr Band
live brass band & choir concert | recording resource
www.lewismerthyrband.com
Open Photography Project
"Coalfield Communities - Then & Now"
Anastazia Thomas
Heritage & Community Officer | St Elvan's
open photography project of South Wales former coalmine sites, when active and now today
www.stelvans.com/coalfield-communities
Red Shoes Poster Archive
Shaun Featherstone
pop up exhibition of posters from and related to the period
www.facebook.com/p/RED-SHOES-Poster-Archive
WAM from Underground
Mike Church
live touring performance of mining related Words Art & Music
www.stelvans.com/wam-words-art-music
Mining Centres
There are a wide range of visitor attractions with connections to the mining industry
Please do check out their individual websites for additional information
Big Pit National Coal Museum
Blaenavon
museum.wales/bigpit
Cynon Valley Museum
Aberdare
cynonvalleymuseum.wales
Rhondda Heritage Park
A Welsh Mining Experience
Trehafod
www.rctcbc.gov.uk/EN/Tourism/RhonddaHeritagePark
South Wales Miners Museum
Afan Forest Park
www.swminers.co.uk
The Winding House
Caerphilly
www.thewindinghouse.co.uk
Additional information on all the mining related sites across Wales are available on the Visit Wales site here
Voices From Underground - A Dying Breed
This project was inspired by a group of ex-miners and friends, many of whom collaborated previously with Awen Cultural Trust. The below documentary was produced by Colour Black Productions as part of a two-year project by Awen, capturing the stories of people who grew up and lived through the heavy industries of iron and coal. Miners now consider themselves a ‘dying breed’. These true stories sit alongside a series of books that are trying to preserve some of those unique lives
