After more than a decade of contributing to Wales’ cultural landscape, National Theatre Wales (NTW) has officially come to an end. Following the loss of all its core funding from Arts Council Wales (ACW) in 2023, the company has ceased to exist in its previous form. This marks the conclusion of a notable era for Welsh theatre and the beginning of a redefined future as the organization transitions into TEAM—Theatre, Engagement, Music, Arts.
The loss of £1.6 million in core funding was a devastating blow to the company. However, for Naomi Chiffi, head of collaboration at NTW, the closure was not entirely unexpected. She described it as a “devastating” decision but one that emerged from a process of “difficult self-reflection” over the past year.
A Year of Reflection: Why National Theatre Wales Came to an End
A Difficult but Necessary Evolution
Naomi Chiffi shared that the company had to come to terms with some hard truths during this challenging period. Reflecting on the downfall of NTW, she admitted that the theatre had “stopped listening” to both the public and the arts community.
“Looking back, I think what we realized is that it’s time to let the productions happen elsewhere,” said Chiffi. “We need to focus on what we’re really good at, which is connecting with communities and engaging in grassroots work.”
The rebranding to TEAM marks a strategic shift toward focusing on community engagement, education, and discovering new artistic talent. The goal is to democratize the arts, making it more accessible to the public, particularly to those who may have felt excluded from traditional cultural spaces.
The Impact of Losing Funding from Arts Council Wales
A Turning Point for National Theatre Wales
The loss of £1.6 million in core funding in September 2023 was the catalyst for the transformation of National Theatre Wales. This occurred as part of ACW’s investment review, which led to the theatre’s funding being completely cut. At the time, the company sent a letter to ACW warning that losing this funding would lead to its closure. The letter poignantly stated that without the funding, “it will not be easily or affordably replaced.”
Arts Council Wales responded to the situation by providing transition funding to help the company restructure and explore new models that would not rely on multi-year core funding. Dafydd Rhys, the chief executive of ACW, mentioned that while it was a difficult decision, ACW had supported NTW’s transition by helping the company reimagine its future direction.
“We look forward to continuing our regular dialogue with National Theatre Wales as they move into this new phase,” Rhys said, reflecting the commitment of ACW to help guide the organization through its transformation.
The Beginning of TEAM: A Focus on Community and Grassroots Arts
Embracing a New, Inclusive Artistic Vision
While the loss of National Theatre Wales as it was known is tragic, the birth of TEAM provides a renewed sense of hope and direction for the arts scene in Wales. TEAM will continue the vital work that National Theatre Wales began, placing a strong emphasis on grassroots engagement and community-driven arts initiatives. By reorienting itself toward the people, rather than large-scale productions, TEAM hopes to reconnect with the audiences that made its earlier work so impactful.
Abena-Mintaah Mensah, a singer-songwriter and one of TEAM’s key coordinators, emphasized the importance of inspiring the younger generation. “To inspire young people to be artistic and creative is so important,” Mensah said at a TEAM event in Cardiff, celebrating a collaboration with ACT, a school for students excluded from mainstream education.
TEAM’s mission is to provide creative outlets and opportunities for young people, particularly those who may not otherwise have access to the arts. This is seen as a crucial step in developing new, diverse talent and ensuring that arts remain inclusive and accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstances.
Celebrating National Theatre Wales’ Legacy
Early Milestones and Memorable Productions
While the closure of National Theatre Wales marks the end of an era, the company’s legacy will not be forgotten. NTW was established in 2009 with a bold vision to bring world-class theatre to Wales, and its impact has been undeniable. One of its most notable early successes was the Passion play in Port Talbot, performed in 2011 with Welsh actor Michael Sheen. The three-day performance attracted over 25,000 spectators, setting the tone for the kind of ambitious, community-driven work NTW would continue to produce in the years to follow.
Throughout its history, National Theatre Wales garnered acclaim for its boundary-pushing productions and its ability to engage with local communities. As it moves forward into its new phase as TEAM, the company remains dedicated to the principles of engagement, inclusivity, and democratizing the arts.
A Farewell, But Not the End: TEAM’s Bright Future
What’s Next for TEAM and Welsh Theatre?
While the closure of National Theatre Wales is undeniably heartbreaking for many, the shift to TEAM offers new possibilities for the future of Welsh arts. By focusing on grassroots initiatives, education, and community engagement, the organization hopes to create a more inclusive environment where the arts can thrive outside the traditional theatre setting.
For many involved in the transition, including Tobias Weatherburn, a professional actor who will take TEAM projects to Cardiff schools in January, the future is still bright. “I grew up with National Theatre Wales, so it is sad, but I’m happy that TEAM will continue,” Weatherburn said, expressing his gratitude for the continuation of the company’s important work.
In the coming months, TEAM will continue to engage with communities, encourage new talent, and build an exciting new vision for Welsh theatre, one that is deeply connected to the needs and desires of the public.
