This summer in Newtown, the National Eisteddfod and Ebbw Vale, children aged 6-11 years old are invited to Kidstown to play a massive game that they make up themselves.
Co-creation and centring children’s voices are at the heart of Kidstown, a project by artists Nigel & Louise with designer Amy Pitt and produced by National Theatre Wales.
Kidstown will give the children of Wales the voice they deserve. From climate change to the cost of living crisis, their future has never been more uncertain. Through the joy of unadulterated play and the power of storytelling, Kidstown offers children a space to imagine the world they want to live in and shape a better future for all of us. It’s time for us, as grown-ups, to listen.
National Theatre Wales and Nigel & Louise with Amy Pitt laid the foundations of the co-creative process in Newtown in August 2022. Over two weeks, local children, artists and the community helped us prototype the Kidstown idea. Mayoral elections were rudely interrupted by tiger chases; shops handed out money instead; and a fairy door opened at the base of the tree behind the bin. Meanwhile, Nigel & Louise asked questions and listened to what the kids had to say.
In July - August 2023, we’re inviting children aged 6-11 years old back to experience Kidstown on a bigger scale and across three locations in Wales over 16 days:
26-29 July, Newtown
Outside Oriel Davies Gallery, The Park, Newtown SY16 2NZ
5-12 August, Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru / The National Eisteddfod of Wales
Ar y maes, Llŷn ac Eifionydd, Boduan, Gwynedd LL53 6DW
18-21 August, Ebbw Vale
Beaufort Colts Football Club, Brynteg Terrace, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6NE
After being handed a passport, kids will enter the giant outdoor arena, designed by Amy Pitt. Here, they'll find stuff to play with, build and wear. Assistants will be on hand to help them realise their imaginings.
Grown-ups are invited to take a seat outside, relax and listen to the rolling news being broadcast of what’s happening inside.
At the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru / National Eisteddfod, Kidstown (Treantur) will be delivered in Welsh by artists including Mirain Fflur.
Nigel & Louise will be collecting interviews and stories from the young participants of Kidstown in order to create an epic theatre show in 2024, which will tour across Wales and nationally.
We’re offering sign-supported English, live illustrators, radio aid support, relaxed sessions, and touch tours. Each site has step-free access.