Envy
of the World
A
film created by a group of Blaenau Gwent learners from the Tredegar
Development Trust's Catapult resource centre has swept the boards
at an awards ceremony held at the BBC Wales studios.
The
young and adult learners took home the prizes for Best Overall
Film and Best Media Skills from the Media 4 Communities Awards
for their drama documentary Envy of the World, which
was based on the life of Aneurin Bevan and his effect on the people
of Britain. Catapult learners Robert James and Mark Prosser were
also recognised for their work in the Best Corporate Film category,
and the nominations for Best Actor included Jamie Stait and Darren
Jones.
Catapult
is a part of the Tredegar Development Trust that aims to give
basic level learning opportunities and the chance to achieve Open
College Network qualifications to young and unemployed people.
Manager at Catapult, Katy Stevenson said: 'Our learners are really
pleased to be recognised in this way.
'They
have all come a long way in their personal development over the
last year and we are very proud of them, the team worked very
hard. 'This project is a prime example of how partnership working
can give opportunities to learners young and older. It is great
to see Blaenau Gwent learners making such an impact.' We are now
looking at ways to provide even higher levels of training in film
making.'
Envy
of the World is available on DVD for £5.99 from Catapult
at 7-9 Commercial Street, Tredegar.
Catapult
are about to begin work on a new project with Tornado Films. Anyone
interested in participating can contact Katy Stevenson at Catapult
on 01495 711499, or go along to a Wednesday evening session from
6pm until 9pm.
The
film follows an earlier project, the stage play From the Cradle
to the Grave (Aneurin's Dream), again written by Philip
Michell which won rave reviews when it opened in November 2005.
The project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund's 'Young Roots'
programme, presented by Prince's Trust Cymru and supported by
Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council.The drama was also supported
by the Arts Council of Wales and Arts in the Community, funded
by Objective One. The project has now led to the creation of the
Blaenau Gwent Young People's Theatre. See below for full details
about the play.
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Aneurin's
NHS vision in the 21st century
ANEURIN
is a Hoodie, a member of a gang on the streets of Tredegar. But he is
also a dreamer and a thinker, a boy with potential and it seems that
townspeople from the past and present enter his night-time dreams, posing
questions about himself, his friends, family and community, not to mention
how he got his unusual name….
This
is the theme of an innovative stage play starring a group of Blaenau
Gwent teenagers, pictured above right, who are looking at the
great Tredegar-born politician Aneurin Bevan and his vision of the National
Health Service through 21st century eyes.
From
the Cradle
to the Grave....
The
play, From The Cradle to the Grave (Aneurin's Dream), was written
by Philip Michell with input from the young people of Tredegar and other
parts of Blaenau Gwent.
The
project has been funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund 'Young Roots' scheme,
presented by The Prince's Trust Cymru and supported by Blaenau Gwent
County Borough Council.
The
play reflects the teenagers' perspective on the legacy of Nye Bevan
and the NHS with at times an uncompromising look at the issues of health
care past and present.
The
young stars are Rachel Williams as Nell and Hoodie 1; Jessica Phillips
(Hannah, the receptionist, and paramedic); Ryan Lee Probert (Will, Dean,
and the paramedic); Jamie 'Jansta' Stait (Tom and Wayne); Ashley Lewis
(Glyn, Scott and the paramedic); Sean Bridgeman (Aneurin and Griff);
Darren Richard Evans (comic and Lee); Antonia Louise Lawrence (Annie,
the angel and the old lady); Laura Rees (Meg and the doctor).
The
drama was created under the guidance of artistic director Chris Durnall
and was designed by Zoe Hewett. Lighting and stage by Steven Baker,
assisted by Sarah Dodd.
The
production managers were David Rees on behalf of Blaenau Gwent County
Borough Council, and Anita Thomas, Prince's Trust Cymru.
The
play opened at the Beaufort Theatre, Ebbw Vale, for two nights in November
2005.
The
drama was supported by the Arts Council of Wales and Arts in the Community,
funded by Objective One.
Pictures are copyright of Lynne Thomas, mobile number 07886394625
or e-mail: spiralynne@yahoo.co.uk.
ABOVE
RIGHT: THE TIME TRAVELLERS: Actors representing the 1930s characters
meet 21st century hoodies.
Below left, boy meets girl - despite family opposition. Below
right, Poverty makes its mark.
Above
left, 21st century 'hoodie'. Above right, Back to the
Future: Lamenting the last NHS dentist. Below, Curtain call:
Cast and crew take a bow.


