A Brecon-based theatre group has won a prestigious national award.
Creative Lives, the registered charity that champions community and volunteer-led arts activity, recently announced the winners of the 2024 Creative Lives Awards.
The Creative Lives Awards celebrate the incredible achievements of groups and projects providing creative activity for people of all ages and abilities across England, Ireland/Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.
Heritage Theatr Cymru, a theatre company based in Brecon and Merthyr Tydfil won the Wales Award. They received an award and framed certificate, cash prize and free access to Creative Lives’ training.
The company celebrates Welsh heritage and uses archive material to produce original plays that connect the communities of yesterday with those of today, working with museums, festivals and schools across Wales.
Representatives from the winning groups attended a ceremony at Cecil Sharp House in London on Thursday, September 26.
Arlene Pryce from Heritage Theatr Cymru said: "It means so much to win the Creative Lives Award for Wales, as being Runner-up five years ago was a real milestone in inspiring us to continue to develop.
“We create plays which give voices to both famous and forgotten people of Wales and in doing so are very aware of how shared ideas, feelings and experiences hold us all together in this world. Voices need listeners and so we thank Creative Lives for valuing our work and its heritage stories by selecting us for this Creative Lives Award.”
Robin Simpson, Chief Executive of Creative Lives said: “This year’s winners demonstrate the vital role such groups play in building stronger, more resilient communities. At a time when so many are experiencing isolation and uncertainty, these groups offer a lifeline of connection, shared purpose and joy.”
Jack Sargeant MS, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership in the Welsh Government, said: “I am delighted to be able to extend mycongratulationsto the Wales winners at this year’s Creative Lives Awards.
“Heritage Theatr Cymru is an all-female drama group that explores contemporary societal issues through heritage stories, and embraces all aspects of theatre-making, from scripts through costumes, sound and acting. Llongyfarchiadau i bawb!”