Press Releases

The exhibition, which came to a close early this week, told the story behind the tragic sinking of the SS Arandora Star in 1940. It uncovered how 53 Welsh-Italians lost their lives onboard this liner whilst being sent to internment camps inCanadaby order of the British Government during WWII.

The exhibition, created by the Arandora Star Memorial Fund in Wales, presented a selection of photographs, reflecting some of the history of Italians who settled in south Wales, together with personal accounts of a few survivors and emotive newspaper articles detailing the men who drowned.

During the past month, more than 4500 primary school pupils and 250 Welsh Baccalaureate students have visited the National Waterfront Museum to take part in special workshops linked to the exhibition and their current studies about the contribution of Italian cafes in industrial Welsh valleys and towns.

Working closely with Swansea Museum and Theatre na n'Óg, pupils have also had the chance to discover more about life during WWII as well as see a fascinating play performed by members of the Neath-based theatre company. The play, based on a true story, follows the story of Lina, who witnesses her father being arrested and dragged from his café to board the Arandora Star bound for an internment camp in Canada. The play has been performed at the Dylan Thomas Theatre with its final showing on Friday 18 November.

Education Officer at the National Waterfront Museum, Mandy Westcott said: “We‘ve had an overwhelming response to the learning activities designed to compliment the exhibition. Between us,Swansea Museum and Theatre na n'Óg, the programme has enabled pupils and students to delve deeper into the history surrounding the Arandora Star and WWII in general. It’s really added something extra to their classroom studies and we’ve all be delighted with the response it has created.”

Speaking about Theatre na n'Óg’s involvement, Artistic Director Geinor Styles said: “We have been creating theatre for young people in the area for over 30 years, and this project like others gives young people the opportunity to participate in a cultural event that expands their learning. The response to this year’s production and the activities created by the two museums has been overwhelming and the project is unique in Wales and possibly the UK.”

For more information about the National Waterfront Museum, please contact Marie Szymonskion 01792 638970.

For more information about Theatre na n'Óg, please contact Geinor Styles on 01639 641771.

Admission to Amgueddfa Cymru - National Museum Wales sites is free thanks to the support of the Welsh Assembly Government.

Amgueddfa Cymru operates seven national museums across Wales.
National Museum Cardiff
St Fagans: National History Museum
National Roman Legion Museum, Caerleon
Big Pit: National Coal Museum
National Wool Museum, Dre-fach
National Slate Museum, Llanberis
National Waterfront Museum,Swansea