The latest episode of Pain in the Arts takes listeners on a journey through theatre, film, community events and cultural memory, asking a deceptively simple question: how do we keep Wales' stories alive?
Hosted by Chris J Birch and Jak Rhys Birch, this week's episode moves from packed theatre audiences and film festival celebrations to a deeply reflective conversation about remembrance, identity and the role artists play in preserving history.
It's an episode that captures everything Pain in the Arts does best: celebrating contemporary Welsh culture while exploring the stories that continue to shape the nation.
A Packed Week of Welsh Arts
The episode opens with reflections on a hectic week across South Wales' cultural scene.
One of the highlights is After Agincourt, Gareth David-Lloyd's powerful one-man production at Porter's Cardiff. The pair praise the intensity, physicality and emotional demands of the performance, reflecting on the challenge of carrying an entire production almost single-handedly.
The discussion offers insight into the realities of intimate theatre spaces, the relationship between performer and audience, and why productions like this continue to thrive within Wales' independent theatre scene.
Elsewhere, Chris recounts his visit to Dog Man at Wales Millennium Centre with his nephew, including an unexpected interview with the Welsh-language translator of the bestselling children's books and a memorable post-show cast meet-and-greet.
Tŷ Hafan, Community and the Power of Participation
From theatre to fundraising, the conversation turns to the annual Tŷ Hafan Dark Run in Bute Park.
With more than 400 participants taking part, the event brought together families, fundraisers and supporters for a night of community spirit and Halloween-inspired fun.
The discussion highlights something often overlooked within the arts sector: the overlap between creativity, community engagement and charitable causes. Events like the Dark Run blur the boundaries between entertainment, participation and social impact, creating experiences that leave lasting memories long after the finish line has been crossed.
A Reminder That Health Comes First
Not everything went to plan.
Listeners learn that Jak's week took an unexpected turn after developing a serious infection that resulted in an emergency trip to A&E and urgent dental surgery.
The story is told with the pair's trademark humour, but also serves as a reminder of the realities facing freelancers and arts professionals who often push themselves relentlessly from event to event.
Despite the setback, the conversation maintains its warmth and self-deprecating charm, with Chris joking that the podcast nearly became a solo episode.
Joe Locke, Tom Cullen and the End of Iris Prize
The episode also marks the conclusion of a month of guest contributions and special features.
Unable to attend the closing screening of Black Church Bay at the Iris Prize Festival, the team enlisted support from Tallow Studios, who spoke with cast members including Joe Locke and Tom Cullen on their behalf.
The interview explores why Welsh stories matter, the importance of LGBTQ+ representation on screen, and the significance of having one of the world's leading LGBTQ+ film festivals based in Cardiff.
Tom Cullen praises Iris Prize for creating opportunities for emerging filmmakers and for giving underrepresented stories a platform, while both actors highlight the emotional depth and challenging themes explored within Black Church Bay.
It's a fitting way to round off another successful year for Iris, which recently celebrated its twentieth anniversary.
How Art Keeps History Alive
The heart of the episode arrives during Jak's Artistry segment.
Marking sixty years since the Aberfan disaster, the discussion explores how artists continue to preserve collective memory through sculpture, theatre, music and storytelling.
Among the examples discussed is Nathan Wyburn's memorial sculpture at Rhondda Heritage Park, a moving work featuring 144 clocks frozen at 9:13am, the moment tragedy struck.
The conversation expands into a broader reflection on works such as Mr Jones by Liam Holmes and commemorative music inspired by Aberfan, examining how creativity allows new generations to engage with events they never personally experienced.
Rather than simply learning history, audiences are invited to feel it.
The discussion draws connections to productions such as Capel Celyn, highlighting the role theatre plays in helping communities understand moments of loss, injustice and resilience.
Why Wales Needs to Preserve Its Stories
One of the most thought-provoking conversations of the episode centres on cultural preservation.
Chris and Jak question what happens when a theatre production finishes its run. Once audiences leave, where do those stories go?
They argue that Wales needs a stronger approach to archiving theatre, whether through filmed performances, published scripts or digital collections that ensure future generations can continue accessing important Welsh stories.
It's a conversation that speaks directly to wider questions across the cultural sector: how do we preserve the work being created today for audiences tomorrow?
Making Art the New Coal
Perhaps the episode's most memorable moment comes during a discussion about Welsh identity, community and economic history.
Reflecting on the country's industrial past, Chris offers a simple but powerful thought:
"Let's make art the new coal."
It's an idea that becomes a recurring thread throughout the conversation.
If Wales was once known for exporting coal, steel and slate, why shouldn't it become known for exporting stories, theatre, film, music and creativity?
It's a vision of Wales built not only on its past, but on its ability to tell compelling human stories to audiences around the world.
Why This Episode Matters
At first glance, this week's episode appears to be another busy roundup of reviews, interviews and cultural events.
In reality, it becomes something much more substantial.
From Aberfan to Iris Prize, from community fundraising events to backstage theatre discussions, the conversation repeatedly returns to the same central idea: stories matter.
They connect generations.
They preserve memory.
They build community.
And in Wales, they remain one of the nation's greatest strengths.
For anyone interested in Welsh theatre, film, history or culture, this episode of Pain in the Arts serves as both celebration and reminder: the stories we tell today become the history future generations inherit tomorrow.
Pain in the Arts is available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all major podcast platforms.
