RIDGEWAY ARTS PROJECT
R A P
phase 1
Ridgeway is a local authority housing estate on the southern outskirts of Cardigan, and on the other side of the River Teifi from the town centre. For over twenty years it has been stigmatised as the “sink estate” with negative associations in the town and in the local press. This project hopes to have an effect that can counter this impression by encouraging positive images and positive outcomes from the Ridgeway estate.
This project aims to create a more positive image for Ridgeway in the area. We are developing a project with a group of residents who are concerned that the lack of constructive, creative activities for their children leaves a vacuum that can lead them into trouble.
So far a dynamic group of women from the estate have been involved with SWT
and project partners Creative Mwldan Creadigidol (CMC), in participatory research
and planning for the RAP project .
To introduce ourselves to the community all residents were invited to a performance
of an SWT production, “Diogel?/Safe?”, at the CMC centre in Cardigan.
This was a lively well-attended event to launch the project.
During the Easter holidays 2005 a group of 30 young people and adults worked
together to make masks, shadow puppets and costumes. A performance on the last
day, devised by the group, told a spooky tale of a masked ball at Cardigan Castle
in the distant past. This was attended by the Mayor of Cardigan and other community
members and was a real achievement.
More activities will take place at half term (under an awning outside the houses
on the estate), watch this space!
Day one: mask making
Day two: finishing masks, starting shadow puppets and writing the show
Day three: finishing shadows and costume making
Day Four: rehearsal and performance
It is envisaged that masks, costume and some of the choreography will contribute to a parade in the summer along with a giant structure yet to be created. The baroque and monster themes will probably inform the style of the giant but this is a participatory process so we will have to wait to see the results.
Phase 2
Well we found out what the participants wanted and we started making a Giant crab ,crowns,a giant bird, jellyfish,and an altogether giant scary eel.
Phase 3
Photo: Emyr Rhys Williams
Procession 2005
Photo: Emyr Rhys Williams
Photo: Emyr Rhys Williams
Phase 4
An exhibition of pictures, moving images and the actual objects will open at the Creative Mwldan Creadigidol, Cardigan on the 22nd November and close on the 24th November. Call to check details if you can come.
Partners: Creative
Mwldan Creadigidol
Media Centre
Sponsors: Henry Smith Charity, The Arts Council of Wales, Ceredigion County Council ,Cardigan Town Council
Huge Thanks to Mr. James Lynch for letting us use the Pioneer Garage to make some of the Giants
This giant armchair potato is a heart attack in the making he is part of the continuation of this project for 2006/7
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Small World Theatre Canolfan Byd Bychan Bath House Road, Cardigan, Ceredigion Wales SA43 1JY Tel: 01239 615952 Fax :01239 615835 e mail info@smallworld.org.uk |
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