Chapel conversion could be answer to theatre prayers

12.00.00am GMT Mon 27th Feb 2006

Michael German AM last week visited a 19th century chapel that members of Canolfan Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful, based in Pontmorlais are hoping to convert into a community theatre.

Zoar Chapel has not been used as a place of worship for some time and provide an original and useful performing arts centre.

Welsh Lib Dem Assembly Member, Michael German, said: "Zoar Chapel is a lovely building, with good acoustics and plenty of seating. Of course, some work and investment is needed to undertake the conversion but fundamentally, it is the ideal building for Merthyr's performing arts centre."

Currently there is no theatre venue in the borough of Merthyr Tydfil. Even large school productions have to be performed in Aberdare.

Lisbeth McLean, Development Office at Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful - the group driving the chapel conversion - said:" By transforming the Chapel into a Community Theatre we will be able to build links and develop partnerships with others within the community. This will ensure a wide provision of completely new artistic opportunities to the people of Merthyr and beyond."

Mike German added: "By 'owning' the theatre, the community benefits so much more from its presence.

"The proposal of redeveloping the old Theatre Royal is far too limited in its scope and flexibility. Its part of the mould that says theatre is something that is done 'for' people, not 'by' people. The modern understanding of theatre has come on in leaps and bounds since those days.

"A community theatre in the Zoar Chapel would allow people to take part in every aspect of a theatrical production; from writing to set design from costumes to marketing. This project offers complete community integration.

"I am delight to have had the opportunity to visit this beautiful old building and hear that groups such as Canolfan a Menter Gymraeg Merthyr Tudful are so eager to invest in its future."