As the 60th anniversary of the Aberfan disaster approaches, many events are scheduled to mark the tragic day in Welsh history. The Silent Volunteer, a moving exploration of one of the most significant events in Welsh history, will call at theatres across the country, from Aberystwyth to Maesteg, Ammanford to Wrexham.
Written by Sue Bevan, who was just 10 years old on the day Aberfan happened, The Silent Volunteer shines a light on the circumstances that led up to October 21, 1966, when 144 people – including 116 children – tragically lost their lives when a spoil tip slid down a mountain, engulfing Pantglas School and some of the surrounding houses. It will trace the story of ordinary people who were ignored by the institutions of the time - and warns of the consequences if we fail to address the current coal tip threat present in many communities.
A story of memory, loss and responsibility
Based on Bevan's international award-winning play Hiraeth, The Silent Volunteer has a cast of descendants from the community who were directly impacted then and continue to be impacted years on. The Silent Volunteer is not just about the Aberfan disaster itself; it is about memory, loss, responsibility, and the quiet heroism of the people who cared for the victims and their families in the aftermath.
Sue Bevan, writer, said: “There are shocking details of the Aberfan story here that most people still aren't aware of, in particular the way in which bereaved families were treated with such contempt by a system that places profit above working people.” She continued: “Regarding the present, the play warns of the inevitable consequences if we fail again to address the current coal tip threat. So in a sense the play is a call to action - to make our voices heard, to get involved in the fight for our rights, and to demand change.”
Legacy of the disaster and today's coal tips
Post-disaster, an inquiry report laid the blame for the disaster squarely with the National Coal Board (NCB), yet no NCB employee or board member was demoted, dismissed, or prosecuted, nor did the board face any corporate sanctions after the disaster. There was no prosecution either for manslaughter or for any regulatory offence. An appeal fund for the villagers was plundered so what remained of the lethal tip could be removed.
Alongside the production will be an exhibition and Q&A, supported by the Coalfield Regeneration Trust, that explores the impact of coal tips, and how they are continuing to shape and affect mining communities today.
Natalie Sargent, Development Manager Wales at the Coalfields Regeneration Trust, said: “Coal tips are an important part of our shared history, but they are not only reminders of the past. For many communities, these landscapes remain closely connected to local heritage, identity and everyday life, with many now valued as green spaces, places for communities and important habitats for biodiversity.” She added: “This project will help create vital conversations about how the legacy of coal tips can be understood and how communities can help shape their future. As restoration and remediation continue, it is essential that local voices are heard so that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of communities today and for future generations.”
From Tylorstown to the 60th anniversary
On the 60th anniversary of Aberfan, the production will visit Tylorstown Welfare Hall, which overlooks one of Wales’ largest coal tip remediation projects at the Llanwonno coal tip. Triggered by Storm Dennis in 2020, over 60,000 tonnes of coal spoil slid down the mountain. The remediation work continues today.
Rachel Pedley, Artistic Director of Avant Cymru, said: “After the Tylorstown landslide, we needed a voice to share how the community felt. For many, the landslide brought back memories of Aberfan. So many in the community volunteered that day. Then we met Sue who, as such a young volunteer at Aberfan, had a voice we needed to share. 60 years on from the disaster, this story is more needed than ever - a story that explores how the disaster changed families forever, impacted trust amongst communities, and enables us to discuss the at-risk tips of today. We need a clear future for our landscapes in ex-mining valleys like ours, and we hope the play will encourage this conversation.”
This project is supported by Arts Council Wales and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The Silent Volunteer will visit the following venues: 9th October '26 - Glowyr, Ammanford; 14th October '26 - Aberystwyth Arts Centre; 15th October '26 - Pwllheli Neuadd Dwyfor; 16th October '26 - The Lab Wrexham; 20th October '26 - Pontardawe Arts Centre; 21st October '26 - Tylorstown Welfare Hall; 22nd October '26 - St Elfan’s, Aberdare; 23rd October '26 - Maesteg Town Hall.
