Newport play written and performed by homeless people
'The Visitor' was developed over 10 weeks as part of The Story Project, a two-year storytelling project funded by Arts Council Wales.
This has developed as a collaborative effort between Welsh homelessness charity The Wallich, Owen Thomas, the Riverfront Theatre, Sherman Theatre, Grand Ambition in Swansea, Carmarthenshire Theatres, Theatr Clwyd, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Awen Cultural Trust, and National Theatre Wales.
The performance aimed to challenge stereotypes by showcasing talent and creativity, offering new perspectives on homelessness.
The heart of the story lies in the journey of the Visitor, portrayed by Osian Lloyd, an emerging actor who is also a participant in the Story Project.
The Visitor's adventure in Newport begins after his bus breaks down.
Initially, he holds certain prejudices against the city, known for violence and antisocial behaviour.
But The Professor, a character in the play, guides him on a time-travelling adventure, revealing vital moments of Newport's history.
These included the 1830s uprising led by John Frost and the Chartists, the symbolism of the transporter bridge in the 1900s, the lively music scene of the 1980s, and finally, a glimpse into modern-day Newport.
The narrative then becomes a moving testament to shared experiences and creativity.
The play was presented as a script-in-hand performance by a group supported by The Wallich through the Gwent BOOST Project, with the assistance of other project participants.
Despite a tight six-week schedule, the cast, under the guidance of Newport practitioner Naomi Norman and Owen Thomas, managed to integrate their personal experiences and connections to Newport into an engaging story.
The performance concluded on a hopeful note, with the Visitor deciding to extend his stay in Newport, changing his previously negative impression of the town.
The Story Project has been transformative, paving the way for new partnerships, friendships, talents, and even careers.
People homeless from Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth, Wrexham, Ammanford, and Llanelli have all participated in the initiative.
The project aims to introduce or reintroduce the enchantment of theatre and the arts, encouraging people homeless to share their stories and develop new creative and technical skills.
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