The Arts Council of Wales (ACW) has announced that Cardiffs Sherman Theatre and new writing company Sgript Cymru have begun negotiations about a merger, and a number of other arts organisations in Wales are also being encouraged by ACW to take similar steps.
Citing the 2004 Boyden report into the state of English language theatre in Wales, which recommended bolstering the position of the Sherman to make it the base for theatre production in Cardiff, ACW has set out its view that a Sherman/Sgript Cymru merger would lead to enhanced opportunities for artists, audiences and participants. The move would also create South Waless largest producing company, which would produce work in English and Welsh and perform both at the Sherman and on tour. David Stacey, Chair of the Sherman, which is currently planning a major capital project to increase its administrative capacity and enhance rehearsal facilities, said, These negotiations will be yet another challenge ... alongside the enormous commitment to the capital project. If the negotiations are successful it will ... place the merged company at the forefront of Welsh contemporary drama and writing. Other organisations, under pressure to engage in what they fear will end up as enforced mergers, have expressed concerns about ACWs apparent drive to rationalise the sector.
Published: 19-12-2005