A new play based on its lead actor’s lived experience of surviving sexual abuse - and which he hopes will encourage other men to open up about their trauma - will take to the stage in Cardiff and Treorchy this October.
Set in the Rhondda valley, psychological drama No Man’s Land follows its lead character’s battles, navigating the effects of trauma on his mind and the reality of his day-to-day life. It is performed on stage by Kyle Stead; a neurodivergent creative professional, born and raised in Rhondda Cynon Taf and now working as a theatre maker, spoken word poet, videographer, producer and mentor. Kyle was a recipient of the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursary 2020-2022.
Kyle will be the only performer on stage, joined by the voices of actors Richard Elfyn, Rhys Parry Jones, Tori Lyons, Tobias Weatherburn and Toby Hawkins.
No Man’s Land is written by award-winning writer Rachel Trezise, directed by Matthew Holmquist, co-produced by Kyle with Sherman Theatre & RCT Theatres with support from Platfform. Wellbeing support for the company and audiences will be provided by Silence Speaks.
The fight for survival is fought inside the mind.
Set in the Rhondda Valley, we follow Lewis as he journeys through two worlds to discover the mechanism for his closure. A world of reality and No Man’s Land.
What happens when the world tells you to man up, but every part of you is fractured? And will Lewis confront his trauma or continue to live in its shadows?
Co-producer and lead actor Kyle Stead said: “I’m keen for this work to lead to more spaces being available for males to feel comfortable talking about their trauma. I’d hope the piece could begin breaking the stigma that society holds on mental health, particularly when it comes to men. I’ve been misunderstood for a large period of my life and by allowing audiences a glimpse into my mindset as a survivor, they may find someone close to them has been silently fighting and could offer them the support I didn’t have. I want No Man’s Land to create an environment where survivors feel valid. We shouldn’t be embarrassed of our lived experience and lose ourselves to events we couldn’t control.
“It’s crucial that we continue to support the role theatre brings in supporting and enabling society to openly explore and digest themes of a sensitive nature. A fundamental part of this process has been creating and developing pathways for rising talent within the South Wales theatre scene, ensuring those keen to create work that challenges and takes risks have the opportunity and platform to do just that.”
Writer Rachel Trezise said: “Surviving sexual abuse is a subject close to my own heart so it's been an honour to shape Kyle's lived experience into this script, which I hope will go some way towards de-stigmatising and informing on the issues of shame and trauma. I've fallen in love with the cast of characters we've created and can't wait to share them with an audience.”
Julia Barry, Chief Executive at Sherman Theatre, said: “A key part of our vision is of a world made more compassionate by theatre. We tell stories and share experiences with our audiences with the hope that people may leave the theatre with a slightly difference perspective on the world.
“Kyle is driven by his empathy for those who’ve suffered as he has, and a determination to drag stories such as theirs into the light and out of the shadows. We are very proud to co-produce a work of such compassion in a season of work reflecting voices from all over Wales.”
Councillor Scott Emanuel, Cabinet Member for Communities at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said: “This powerful and deeply personal production has the power to inspire, connect, and spark conversations around trauma and healing. There is still a pervasive and damaging stigma surrounding sexual assault, especially when it comes to male victims, so this production is extremely important. I’d like to thank Kyle for the bravery and strength he has shown in bringing the stories of survivors to life, and as a Council we are proud to support his work in shining a spotlight on this sensitive subject.
“Rhondda Cynon Taf is home to an extraordinary wealth of creative talent which is often nurtured through our Arts and Culture service, as well as in our Council-owned theatres. We are pleased to be supporting Kyle and Rachel in bringing No Man’s Land to the public. We are also thrilled to be collaborating with Sherman Theatre to give our talented residents a wider platform to share their stories and voices with audiences across Wales.”
No Man’s Land will be performed at the Sherman Theatre in Cardiff 14-18 October before transferring to the Park & Dare Theatre in Treorchy 23-25 October.