The official residence of the Lord Mayor of Swansea may be one of the city’s better-kept secrets. If it is known at all, it is for hosting garden parties and charity fundraisers with strawberries and cream and a glass of Bucks Fizz. Very nice too, but hardly the thing for a wet Welsh autumn, and altogether too respectable for Volcano Theatre Company, who, for their latest show Reasons to be Silent, will be taking over the Mansion House for a week in November and inviting people in to explore its nooks and crannies from the cellar to the attic.But this is no ordinary guided tour. Using video, music, words, special effects and live performers, Volcano has transformed the house so that each room or feature becomes a unique sensory experience. Armed with a torch, a map and an audio guide, visitors will explore at their own pace and make their own discoveries. The show works a bit like a conversation between the house and the visitors – each part of the house presents itself in an unusual way to the visitor, and each visitor brings memories and associations of rooms and houses they have known and lived in. The stately atmosphere of the Mansion House has clearly got to Volcano, for this is not the roller-coaster ride of loud, sweaty excess that people may have come to expect from the company. Expect a gentler experience, albeit one that reaches into dark and troubled corners. The Mansion House, already an impressive pile, will reveal strange new beauties to complement and contrast with the obvious charms of its white marble fireplaces, mahogany staircase and stained-glass window. It will be full of surprises, but will also be a place for quiet contemplation. This is a great opportunity for people to visit and explore this unique part of the city’s heritage, and for those less historically-minded, a fantastic chance to nose around a big posh house. Reasons to be Silent will also visit a house in Mold in December. REASONS TO BE SILENT Wed 22 - Sat 25 Nov 6:30 & 8pm The Mansion House, Ffynone Road, Swansea Book through TALIESIN ARTS CENTRE on 01792 602060 Tickets £7/£5. Suitable for ages 14+. Places limited |
| volcano theatre company web site: |
| Claudine Conway e-mail: volcano.tc@virgin.net |
Wednesday, November 1, 2006 |
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