In the Senedd, Sioned Williams commends Theatr Na nÓg for new play’s important message on water safety
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West has praised Neath theatre company Theatr Na nÓg for its “excellent work” at reaching young people with an important and timely message about the dangers of entering unmonitored waters.
Their play, ‘Y Naid / Just Jump’, originally commissioned by Cardiff Harbour Authority and Port of Milford Haven, focuses, too, on the pressure young people can face in engaging with risky behaviour.
The timing is particularly poignant following the inquest held this week into the death of David Ejimofor, 15, who drowned off Aberafan beach, Neath Port Talbot, after jumping into the sea with his friends.
In the Senedd, Ms Williams asked the Minister for Culture what consideration had been given to the role of Theatre In Education in the new Welsh Government’s culture strategy to “try and ensure that unnecessary tragedies like this one are prevented?”
In response, the Culture Minister, Jack Sargeant, agreed it was “very important” to improve access to culture to “ultimately save lives and improve lives as well” and said he’d “take on board” the points raised by Ms Williams.
Sioned Williams MS, Plaid Cymru Member of Senedd for South Wales West, said:
“Culture has such a central place in ensuring well-being and challenging harmful attitudes for the benefit of our society.
“We heard of the serious and heartbreaking implications of this last week, with the inquest into the death of 15-year-old David Ejimofor, a constituent of mine, who drowned in the sea in Aberavon.
“Every year, young people in Wales lose their lives in water, and theatre can help to communicate the dangers in a way that captures the attention of young people – something that ‘Just Jump’ by Theatr Na nÓg does so well.
“But not all pupils across Wales will have an opportunity to see the production, although the company has been striving for some years to achieve this, so it’s important that Welsh Government actively considers prioritising national Theatre In Education campaigns. I’m glad the Minister is listening.”