Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch collaborates with Educational Theatre in Nepal on ‘Mererid’s Aawaaj’ project
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Ffion, left, and a poster for the project, right(Pictures supplied)
Cwmni Theatr Arad Goch is in Nepal, bringing the cultures of the country and Wales together.
Ffion Wyn Bowen, Arad Goch Artistic Director, and Cêt Haf, Freelance Movement Director and Choreographer, represent Wales and Arad Goch during the visit, working with Educational Theatre in Nepal on the project ‘Mererid’s Aawaaj’ (‘Mererid’s voice’).
It focuses on celebrating and empowering the voices of girls and women through stories, music and dance. Bringing together two cultures and two languages, the collaboration explores Welsh and Nepali traditions and stories, celebrating female heroes within both cultures while recognising the strength, experiences and unique stories every girl and woman has to share.
Drama, music and dance workshops will be delivered to females in Kathmandu.
Participants can share experiences, stories and ideas, to the create a piece of theatre combining elements of Welsh and Nepali culture, culminating in performances in Kathmandu.
The partnership between Arad Goch and Educational Theatre in Nepal started in 2019, when Sunaina Panthy, Artistic Director of Educational Theatre in Nepal, joined Aberystwyth’s Arad Goch as an intern, assisting with Agor Drysau/Opening Doors, Wales’ International Theatre Festival for Young Audiences.
The organisations maintained their relationship and shared a desire to work together again.
Ffion, who will also contribute to the British Council’s For CCI creative and cultural industries networking event in Kathmandu, delivering a presentation on young people and the creative industries, sharing Arad Goch’s experience of developing the Agor Drysau/Opening Doors Festival and the opportunities it creates for young people and artists, said: “Stories, music and theatre have the ability to cross borders and connect people, even when our languages and experiences are different.
“We are looking forward to sharing our experiences, learning from our partners in Nepal and creating something special with local communities. It is important we celebrate the voices of girls and women and provide opportunities for them to be heard.”
