Thank you for drawing my attention to your plight. It is indeed shocking that of all the cultural activity in Wales, ACW should consider withdrawing its long-term funding of CPR, a flagship of innovation and internationalism in theatre-making.
My knowledge of CPR's activities is mainly through the Giving Voice Festival. Since 2002, I have been there every 2 years, to meet leading practitioners, to witness the always fascinating & stimulating theatre programme arranged around the festival, and, when the community choirs of Wales have also gathered around this event, to see how much more connected these groups are, both to their own roots and to an international network of music, than anything happening in England.
It is in Aberystwyth that I have had the only opportunity in Britain to train with Kristin Linklater, a key figure in voice training. I now teach voice and theatre at three different institutions: two of these jobs came from meeting people at Giving Voice who wanted me to work with them.
It is in Aberystwyth that I have seen theatre from Iran, Poland and Wales, that has opened my eyes and ears beyond the theatrical mainstream.If the artistic community in Wales wishes to develop a home-grown theatre that is locally rooted and open to the leading edge of theatre-making around the world, then cpr is necessary and deserves the security of funding that allows for long-term development.
My best wishes for your campaign. yours,
Simon Ratcliffe
Visiting lecturer at Central School of Speech and Drama,
Head of Voice at London International School of Performing Arts,
Lecturer on Foundation degree course in small scale theatre at Guildford School of Acting and Guildford College.
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