Programme for the musical event, 'An Actors Life for Me', presented by Stagestruck, Cardiff, March 1989

Description

Printed programme for the musical event, 'An Actors life for Me', Cardiff, March 1989. Presented by the theatre company Stagestruck, the introductory page briefly explains the diverse occupations that make up the cast, and gives thanks to the audience for their donations, before explaining the motivation of the event's conception: to unite communities, lift spirits, and support charities. A list naming the entire cast is found on the adjacent page, and spanning over two pages, the schedule of songs performed is offered, including a short interval. Additionally, the names of the crew have been included, as well as a section to share specific thanks for prop, scenery, and costume companies. The final page features a list of sponsors, followed by seven local advertisements.

The Cardiff United Synagogue was established in 1942 when the Cardiff Hebrew Congregation and the Cardiff New Hebrew Congregation were united into a single organisation. The early years of the Cardiff congregation remain shrouded in mystery, but it is known that a Jewish cemetery was founded in 1841 and a purpose-built synagogue was built for the Cardiff Hebrew Congregation in 1858 in East Terrace. As the congregation outgrew the premises, a new synagogue was opened on Cathedral Road in 1897. In 1889, a group of recent immigrants left the “Englisher shul” to form the “foreigners’ shul” formally known as the Cardiff New Hebrew Congregation. Having initially worshipped at Edward Place and Clare Road, the New Congregation moved to purpose-built premises on Windsor Place in 1918. After the 1942 reunification, the Cardiff United Synagogue continued to use both the Windsor Place and the Cathedral Road synagogues until 1955 when the former was sold, and a new synagogue was built on Ty-Gwyn Road. The Cathedral Road synagogue was eventually sold in 1988 and the Ty-Gwyn Road synagogue in 2003 with the congregation moving to its current premises in Cyncoed Gardens.

Sources:
'The History of the Jewish Diaspora in Wales' by Cai Parry-Jones (http://e.bangor.ac.uk/4987);
JCR-UK/JewishGen (https://www.jewishgen.org/jcr-uk/Community/card/index.htm).

Depository: Glamorgan Archives.