THE PLEN PROJECT
The Plen-an-Gwary in St Just is a lot more than the remains of a medieval open-air theatre. 'Plen-an-Gwary' when translated from Cornish into English reads as 'place of the play'. This site is alleged to be the oldest working theatre in Britain, and is one of only two surviving outdoor amphitheatres in Cornwall. It has stood in the heart of the St Just community for an estimated 600 years.
Today the large green space in the centre of the town is much loved and used by residents and visitors alike. It isa place to meet friends, celebrate the summer festival - Lafrowda, play music, tell stories and much more.
Over the last few years it has also become inextricably linked with the spectacular summer performances of the Ordinalia series of miracle plays. But the Ordinalia company, as well as many other performing groups requiring costumes, sets and equipment, would not be able to use it at all without access to the adjacent plot of land and its semi-derelict wooden hut (formerly a telephone exchange).This 'wooden hut' provides the only access for players and vital backstage, storage and changing facilities.
Penwith District Council very kindly agreed to purchase the site for the Trust in 2005 (for £70,000) to give the community some time to raise the money to safeguard the site. After a vigorous campaign over £20,000 has been raised, £13,000 since May 2008. Over £4,500 of this has come through a Plen-Friend scheme the Plen Project is running (people can visit our website for more information see lionk opposite). All local people's hard work and effort was rewarded early in 2009 when Penwith District Council offered the site to the Trust for a mere £20,000 (a 50K shortfall) - a wonderful gesture of good will towards the St Just community. The Plen Project will now be looking to draw up plans for a purpose built facility on the site, and continuing fundraising events in order to match fund grant applications for the rebuild.