The one-woman show, called Betty Campbell - A Journey through Butetown, will take children on a historical journey through Butetown, Cardiff, from the building of the docklands through two world wars and on to modern-day Cardiff Bay - all told through Betty’s eyes.
The Welsh-medium play will be staged for the first time at Ysgol Hamadryad primary school in Cardiff Bay later this week, before touring other schools across Wales. Plans are also underway for an English-language production.
Written by Nia Morais, a young writer from Cardiff, the play is being staged by children’s theatre company Mewn Cymeriad/In Character. The play was inspired by the Monumental Welsh Women campaign which culminated in the unveiling of a statue of Betty Campbell in Cardiff Central Square last summer.
Betty Campbell is played by actress Kimberley Abodunrin, originally from Pembrokeshire, and now living in Birmingham after moving to the city to study drama. The play is directed by Swansea actor and Director Carli De’La Hughes.
Kimberley Abodunrin says: I’m excited and proud to play such an inspirational woman as Betty Campbell, and to be able to share the rich history of Butetown with children across Wales.
Mewn Cymeriad/In Character worked closely with Betty Campbell’s family, who have supported the project from the outset. The play and its production has been developed in partnership with Theatr Genedlaethol Cymru and with support from BACA - Butetown Arts and Culture Association.
Schools can book shows by visiting the website www.mewncymeriad.cymru.
