Stories from the community will be explored in a powerful piece of documentary theatre touring Welsh theatres on the 60th Anniversary of the disaster
This Autumn, Avant Cymru will bring a moving exploration of one of the most significant events in Welsh history to theatres across Wales. Written by Sue Bevan, who was just 10 years old on the day Aberfan happened, The Silent Volunteer shines a light on the circumstances that led up to October 21st 1966 where ordinary people were ignored by the institutions of the time – and warns of the consequences if we fail to address the current coal tip threat present in many communities.
The Silent Volunteer, based on Sue Bevan’s international award-winning play Hiraeth, has a cast of descendants from the community who were directly impacted then and continue to be impacted years on. The Silent Volunteer is not just about the Aberfan disaster itself; it is about memory, loss, responsibility, and the quiet heroism of the people who cared for the victims and their families in the aftermath.
Sue Bevan, writer, said; “There are shocking details of the Aberfan story here that most people still aren’t aware of, in particular the way in which bereaved families were treated with such contempt by a system that places profit above working people.”
She continued, “Regarding the present, the play warns of the inevitable consequences if we fail again to address the current coal tip threat. So in a sense the play is a call to action – to make our voices heard, to get involved in the fight for our rights, and to demand change.”
Alongside the production will be an exhibition and Q&A, supported by the Coalfield Regeneration Trust, that explores the impact of coal tips, and how they are continuing to shape and affect mining communities today.
Natalie Sargent, Development Manager Wales at the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Coal tips are an important part of our shared history, but they are not only reminders of the past. For many communities, these landscapes remain closely connected to local heritage, identity and everyday life, with many now valued as green spaces, places for communities and important habitats for biodiversity.
“This project will help create vital conversations about how the legacy of coal tips can be understood and how communities can help shape their future. As restoration and remediation continue, it is essential that local voices are heard so that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of communities today and for future generations.”
On the 60th anniversary of Aberfan, the production will visit Tylorstown Welfare Hall, which overlooks one of Wales’ largest coal tip remediation projects at the Llanwonno coal tip. Triggered by Storm Dennis in 2020, over 60,000 tonnes of coal spoil slid down the mountain. The remediation work continues today.
Rachel Pedley, Artistic Director of Avant Cymru said, “After the Tylorstown landslide, we needed a voice to share how the community felt. For many,the landslide brought back memories of Aberfan. So many in the community volunteered that day.
“Then we met Sue who, as such a young volunteer at Aberfan, had a voice we needed to share. 60 years on from the disaster, this story is more needed than ever – a story that explores how the disaster changed families forever, impacted trust amongst communities, and enables us to discuss the at-risk tips of today. We need a clear future for our landscapes in ex-mining valleys like ours, and we hope the play will encourage this conversation.”
This project is supported by Arts Council Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
About the tour
Rehearsals take place at Tylorstown Welfare Hall from September 14th, where in rehearsal filming with the cast and creatives can be arranged
The tour will visit the following venues:
23rd September ’26 – Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
9th October ’26 – Glowyr, Ammanford
14th October ’26 – Aberystwyth Arts Centre
15th October ’26 – Pwllheli Neuadd Dwyfor
16th October ’26 Y The Lab Wrexham
20th October ’26 – Pontardawe Arts Centre
21st October ’26 – Tylorstown Welfare Hall
22nd October ’26 – St Elfan’s, Aberdare
23rd October ’26 – Maesteg Town Hall
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