It’s not often that you can say you have been part of something truly epic but this year saw The National Theatre of Wales join forces with Wildworks to produce a unique and inspiring theatrical event that saw Port Talbot-born actor Michael Sheen revisit his home town to star in ‘one of the defining narratives of our time’.   Scripted by Owen Sheers, and co-directed by Michael Sheen and Bill Mitchell, The Passion had the community of Port Talbot at its very heart casting its residents as actors and crew.  From a very early age Michael Sheen had been inspired by the plays at nearby Margam Park and felt it only fitting to put on a performance within Port Talbot.  Supported by over 1,000 community volunteers the production celebrated a town and its people bringing over 22,000 people to the town over the Easter Weekend.

SC Productions Director Sarah Cole was brought in as Production Manager for The Passion and invested eight months into the planning and organisation of the logistics of the production. Sarah led a volunteer technical and design team of over 60 that was supported by a small professional team.  The production spanned three days and took place at multiple locations over the whole of Port Talbot from the main shopping centre to the wide expanse of Aberavon Beach.

This extraordinary use of space brought with it particular challenges and required accurate management of the space, the performers and members of the public.  The final scene of the crucifixion was testament to the team’s expertise and commitment; the scene took place on a roundabout which required road closures in the surrounding area, organisation of members of the public and equipment to be prepped correctly.   Elements of the scene had been previously rehearsed in fragmented sections which meant the team had to pull together and ensure everything ran smoothly.

The spirit of the production made the show really unique and special, it connected people within the community and connected people to the town in which they live, sparking a new found sense of pride and ownership. For SC Productions it was great experience that brought together the expertise of its theatre and event production.

The team has been nominated for an SMA Team Award; results will be announced on the 15^th June 2011.

Critical acclaim for The Passion:

The Passion has to be the most extraordinary piece of community-specific theatre I’ve ever beheld.
The Telegraph

Transforming and uplifting… Port Talbot’s future starts the very second The Passion ends.
The Guardian

One of the outstanding theatrical events not only of this year, but of the decade.
The Observer

Some interesting links:

http://port-talbot.com/

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-west-wales-13176102