Unknown Pleasures #1
threshold
directed by Marc Rees

Occupying a triangular site at the northern end of Swansea High Street, stands a tall three storey Baroque block, red brick building - a former Music Hall and Variety Theatre that has played host to the likes of Charlie Chaplain, Lillie Langtry and Marie Lloyd (and a few less illustrious acts including 'The Monopeds' - a troupe of one legged acrobats!). The Palace Theatre opened in 1888. It survived the blitz, became a temporary morgue, was the first venue in Wales to screen a silent movie, served as the setting of an Iris Gower trilogy and became a notorious gay night club in the early 80s. It is now sadly derelict and decaying.

120 years after its opening, we re-examine and re-imagine its history with a surreal homage. Interdisciplinary artist Marc Rees brings together two extraordinary performers and two brand new talents in a unique, strange and beguiling artwork. Threshold brings you explorations from the dilapidated Palace: actual artefacts; architectural musings; film footage; decapitated Disco heads and adulterated high-energy dance anthems. An intriguing blend of installation and documentary-style performance.

Featuring Wendy Houstoun and John Rowley
And introducing Stephen Donnelly and Rachel Walsh
Design by Suzi Dorey

SWANSEA | Taliesin Arts Centre | Thu 29 - Sat 31 May | 7:30pm | £10/£7
NEWPORT | Riverfront Arts Centre | Mon 2 & Tue 3 June | 7:30pm | £10/£7
DUBLIN | Project | Mon 9 & Tue 10 June | 7pm

UNKNOWN PLEASURES is a series of exciting experiments in theatre brought to you by Volcano Theatre Company, Taliesin Arts Centre and Swansea Metropolitan University. This innovative partnership is bringing together Wales's finest artists and its best emerging talents. Unknown Pleasures is a new wellspring of vitality in contemporary theatre. You saw it here first!