Behind the Curtain: Exploring Theatre Archives in Wales
The aim of this project is to raise the curtain on archive collections which together evidence the development of Welsh theatrical and musical performance from the mid 20th century into the present day. Over the next two years some very significant theatre collections will be catalogued, and a range of engagement activities will take place.
This is a partnership project, led by Gwent Archives, with Ceredigion Archives, Glamorgan Archives, Gwynedd Archives, National Library of Wales and North East Wales Archives..
The project will catalogue and make accessible major archive collections that focus on key regional theatre companies and venues. The five core archive collections are from Theatr Clwyd, St David’s Hall Cardiff, Theatr Gwynedd, Gwent Theatre, and the Mike Pearson Collection. The project will also catalogue two additional collections: the archive collection of the Chapter Arts Centre in Cardiff, and a portfolio collection from Ceredigion Archives, comprising programmes for cultural events held at a variety of locations in Aberystwyth.
By cataloguing these collections, and providing online access through comprehensive finding aids, people will be able to better identify, access and use the information they contain. Local communities, volunteers, students, and people of all ages will also have opportunities to contribute and engage with these archives through a range of planned activities, including the development of exhibitions, online content, workshops and oral histories. Archive services across Wales will be able to come together to tell the story of theatre and performance in their local communities, regionally and nationally.
