Flintshire born actor Jonathan Pryce stars in Aberfan: The Green Hollow

Some of Wales’ best known acting talent including Flintshire born actor Jonathan Pryce, Michael Sheen, Siân Phillips and Eve Myles star in Aberfan: The Green Hollow a 60 minute film-poem written by multi-award winning poet, novelist and playwright Owen Sheers and Pip Broughton director of Under Milk Wood.

The script draws on interviews with survivors, parents and those involved in the rescue operation, many of whom have never before spoken about their experience.

The film uses verse, imagery and music to explore the identity of the village before and after the tragedy. It aims to embrace the disaster’s legacy as well as celebrating the strength of the community today.

Jonathan Pryce who hails from Carmel in Flintshire said,

“Nothing I can write or say can come close to expressing the power of this film.
I can only share the huge sadness and anger that this disaster was allowed to happen. My father was a miner from when he left school until he married my mother. He was in a pit fall. Men around him died and he carried the scars on his back all his life. Miners in terrible working conditions knowingly faced those dangers, but they could never have imagined that the negligence and arrogance of the NCB [National Coal Board] could ever result in such devastation above ground. Sadly, the images of children buried alive in Aleppo continue to remind us of the contempt with which our leaders still view the lives of innocents.”

Jonathan Pryce who has starred in Wolf Hall, Game of Thrones.

“The horrific events of that day does and will ALWAYS affect us, not because we’re Welsh, or know families involved, but because we are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons and daughters” said Eve Myles.

“My experience filming this project, was like nothing I have ever been apart of before. It took several attempts to read. Everyone involved dealt with the story with respect and care. To be asked to be a part of this project was an honour”

Michael Sheen was born three years after the disaster but he grew up with an awareness of it.

“Nothing can compare to the unimaginable suffering that was inflicted upon that community, but it was a suffering that resonated with the whole country and beyond. From the moment you first hear the story of October 21st and try to imagine what that day must have been like for everyone there it stays with you for the rest of your life. It certainly has with me.” said the Newport born actor.

Micheal Sheen “Nothing can compare to the unimaginable suffering that was inflicted upon that community”

ABERFAN: THE GREEN HOLLOW
Friday, October 21, BBC One Wales 9pm
Sunday, October 23, BBC Four, 8pm

The Green Hollow is a BBC Studios Wales production in association with Vox Pictures. It is produced by Jenna Robbins. The Executive Producer is Bethan Jones.