THE Rhoose-based A48 Theatre Company is breaking new ground this Remembrance Week by performing Aviatrix, a new play by local playwright Jim Blythe, in an aircraft hangar in St Athan.
Aviatrix tells the story of five real intrepid women who – like many women who wanted to fly – joined the Women’s Air Transport Auxiliary when war broke out in 1939. The show will also be performed in Cardiff and Pontypridd.
Ray Thomas, A48 Theatre Company’s director, said: “Challenged not only by the enemy but also by stereotyping and social prejudice within their own force, these five women’s fight to be allowed to fly combat aircraft is illuminated with wit and poignancy in Blythe’s fresh, original script.
“Straight after I read the script, I knew I wanted to bring it to communities during Remembrance Week. These female ATA pilots didn’t get medals or glory, but they risked their lives to ferry 30,900 aircraft across Britain during WW2 – and had to fight to be allowed to do so.”
Thomas believes that the play has relevance beyond its historical interest, too: “As incidents of misogyny, racism and bullying still come to light in our public services even today, there’s a lot we can recognise in the struggle these amazing women faced just to do their job.”
The cast of eight have all enjoyed carrying out research into their own ‘true life’ character. Actor Jess Gittins, who plays Winifred Crossley, one of the women, said: “I have been encouraged to explore and cherish my character and to use my own intuition. This has led me to an even greater appreciation of this original and thought-provoking script.”
Performances will take place at: YMa, Pontypridd – Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th November at 7.30pm; The Temple of Peace, Cardiff – Wednesday 15th November at 7.30pm; The Royal British Legion, Cardiff – Thursday 16th and Friday 17th November at 7:30pm; South Wales Aviation Museum, St Athan – Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th November at 13.30pm.
Audiences attending performances at the Temple of Peace are invited to a free tour of the Welsh Centre for International Affairs, led by Craig Owen, Heritage Advisor, between 5pm and 6pm on performance evenings.
Audiences attending performances at the South Wales Aviation Museum are offered half price entry to the museum with every Aviatrix ticket purchased. For ticket details, go to www.a48theatrecompany.com
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