The speaker shares two personal stories about their hometown, Port Talbot in South Wales, and its connections to renowned actors Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins. They reflect on the influence of their town's history and the supportive environment they grew up in, which led them to pursue a career in the arts. However, they express concern about the current state of arts education, particularly for those from working-class backgrounds. They discuss the lack of opportunities for young people who don't have the same advantages they had and highlight the importance of creating pathways early for these individuals. The speaker concludes by discussing a project they are involved in called "A Writing Chance", which aims to support underrepresented voices in storytelling. They share inspiring stories from their first cohort of writers, emphasizing the transformative power of sharing personal stories.
1. The speaker is sharing stories from their hometown, Port Talbot, in South Wales.
2. Port Talbot is known for its steelworks and has a big council estate.
3. It's also known for actors, with Richard Burton being one of the notable ones.
4. The speaker recounts a story about Richard Burton getting an autograph from a young lad who would grow up to be Anthony Hopkins.
5. The speaker identifies with their hometown's famous residents, Richard Burton and Anthony Hopkins, and recognizes their own potential.
6. The speaker believes it's important to see one's background and experience represented in the world.
7. The speaker discusses the importance of a supportive family and a community that encourages arts and performance.
8. The speaker mentions Godfrey Evans, a teacher at the Comprehensive School on the Sandfields estate, who created a progressive theater program in the school.
9. The speaker discusses the impact of the youth arts infrastructure that grew up in the area and was funded through the education system.
10. The speaker shares their journey from joining the youth theater to getting a grant to go to RADA in London, and then going straight into the West End.
11. The speaker expresses concern about the disappearance of the pathway for young people who don't have the same advantages and opportunities.
12. The speaker cites statistics that show a significant overrepresentation of privileged social starting points in the arts and media.
13. The speaker discusses a project they started, A Writing Chance, to support people from underrepresented backgrounds in storytelling.
14. The speaker shares the impact of the first cohort of A Writing Chance, including the moving pieces submitted by the writers.
15. The speaker emphasizes the importance of these voices and experiences, stating that these writers' stories are "absolutely revelatory."