Men of steel are needed for new PortTalbot play
THEY may be more at home with blast furnaces than box offices, but 20 Welsh steelworkers are being sought to join the cast of a play.
The National Theatre of Wales (NTW) wants to cast a chorus for a play called We’re Still Here, inspired by the story of Port Talbot steelworks.
Twenty steelworkers will join the production – set to debut in a Port Talbot warehouse in September – as a community chorus.
These performers will take part in numerous scenes including performing, drumming and physical tasks.
The production comes six years after NTW staged The Passion, starring Hollywood star Michael Sheen, in Port Talbot, over Easter 2011.
Inspired by conversations with steelworkers, union members and the wider community, We’re Still Here will be the first theatrical response to the recent uncertainty over the future of the Port Talbot plant, which employs 4,000 people and is Britain’s biggest.
In March 2016 owners Tata Steel announced plans to sell its entire UK operation, which could have also affected thousands of workers at four other Welsh plants and sites in Rotherham and Corby.
But the future of the steelworks was subsequently guaranteed for at least five years.
NTW artistic director Kully Thiarai said: “The community of Port Talbot participated fully in The Passion.
“We are delighted to be returning with a new production tackling a local, national and global issue, as told to us by that community.”
No experience in performance is required. The show directors are looking for steelworkers who have been or are working in the steelworks.
The production will be run with theatre company Common Wealth.
To sign up or for more information, contact Nicole on 0747 659 5106 or email nicolemoran@nationaltheatrewales.org