ILS students experience exclusive first look at Theatr Arad Goch’s 'Natur'
Students from Coleg Ceredigion’s Independent Living Skills (ILS) [Pathway 3] recently enjoyed a unique first look at ‘Natur’, the latest production from Theatr Arad Goch, ahead of its tour.
Natur is a musical play which explores human connection with the natural world and it is designed for children aged eight to 11 in either Welsh or English and will be on tour from February until the end of March.
Coleg Ceredigion learners studying at Aberystwyth campus, took up the invite and watched the production at Arad Goch theatre as part of an enrichment activity and an opportunity for community development working.
The visit was also part of the ongoing relationship that has developed between ILS Pathway 3 and the theatre over the last few years.
The play questions how contemporary lifestyle has an impact on the planet and wildlife and what people can do to stop pollution and global warming.
Not only is it an exciting trip out to the theatre to see a show but it’s also a chance for the learners to put into context the performing arts activities that they undertake with me in the performance studio in the college, including the performances that they create and perform to a public audience towards the end of each academic year. ” Solveig Frykman-Lloyd, Course Tutor.
A Coleg Ceredigion lecturer in ILS studies and performance, has been fostering relationships with Theatre Arad Goch and other community networks and is enjoying seeing the results.
Tutor Solveig Frykman-Lloyd said: “Not only is it an exciting trip out to the theatre to see a show but it’s also a chance for the learners to put into context the performing arts activities that they undertake with me in the performance studio in the college, including the performances that they create and perform to a public audience towards the end of each academic year.
“Through attending a rehearsal at Theatr Arad Goch, they have an opportunity to ask the actors questions about their approach to learning lines, creating the physicality of their characters and relate this information back to their own performance work.
“Learners have in the past been invited to have a guided tour of the theatre, including backstage and administration offices to see a theatre-in-action as well as gain a wider understanding of the performance industry in Wales.
“Back at college, the learners reviewed the play and considered the environmental issues explored in “Natur”. They linked these to the concept of Cynefin - the deep-rooted connection to our landscape - as well as themes of Welsh Mythology (Blodeuwedd), Eryri Heb Blastig (Plastic-Free Snowdonia), and Lleisiau Pobl Ifanc (Young People’s Voices). These elements are currently being explored through movement material created for their own upcoming performance, ‘Beth Amdanon Ni?’”
The college hopes to continue to develop their relationship with Theatr Arad Goch through further collaborations with discussions underway for future projects.
(The second picture goes back to September 2025 on another trip to Arad Goch)