Spotlight On: Artist & Theatre Designer Harry Pizzey

Today we have a very special blog entry! 

Designer Harry Pizzey has curated a wonderful installation in our auditorium space, depicting members from all the groups that use the Theatre, as our organisations and their members have been (and are) sorely missed. Harry’s drawings celebrate the wonderful people who make up the activities at Theatr Brycheiniog and we hope you enjoy this environment when you come and visit.

Towards the end of 2020 we held an open call for artists and designers, recruiting a freelancer to support the development of an artistically curated space on our stage and in our auditorium.

The Cultural Café installation is a celebration of the wonderful myriad of people who would usually utilise the space at Theatr Brycheiniog. A whole cross section of the community in Brecon make use of our theatre for numerous activities, from Tai Chi to Taiko Drumming, Ballet Dancing to Band Practice. While government restrictions remain in place the theatre is in limited use and those groups of people cannot be as present as they would like to be in the space. In response to this, Harry Pizzey has created an installation which depicts over sixty members of the Theatr Brycheiniog community from eighteen different user groups making them present once again in the building. These portraits are displayed in the auditorium in a huge sky-like blue arch as a reminder of the amazing range of activities and people that would normally occupy the theatre and will continue to do so when restrictions are lifted.

Here is what Harry had to say about his work and Theatr Brycheiniog! 

Can you tell us about your background in the arts and your work? 
I originally trained in architecture, studying for an undergrad degree at UCL but then found my passion for theatre after accidentally signing up to be part of the cast of an Edinburgh Fringe show. I realised I could be part of the theatre world and also still be a designer! After having that epiphany I signed up to do a Masters in Design for Performance at the Royal Welsh College in Cardiff. As well as architecture and theatre work I have also been part of a group of designers making installations for festivals and events which has combined my art, architecture and theatre design practices. I'm also a keen printmaker and love producing my own work when I can find the time. 

Can you tell us more about the Culture Cafe project? 
The Cultural Cafe is a celebration of the arts within Brecon and I hope it highlights how much great stuff is happening in Theatr Brycheiniog. It's a space where you can enjoy a coffee and spot some familiar faces, whilst looking forward to the fantastic work that is coming after the cultural cafe. 
It features 62 different members of various societies and groups that all use Theatr Brycheiniog as a base, it has everything from drummers and dancers to Pantomime Dames. The aim was to create an enjoyable and theatrical space that was made up of the people who use it most and make the community hub that it is. 

What did you enjoy about this project?
There were so many bits I enjoyed! One of the best bits was working with a theatre space in such a different but such a positive way. There has been so much to be sad about in theatre recently but this was a such a fantastic way to re use a theatre space in a creative and joyful way. It's a testament to the resourcefulness of the Theatr! It has also been a joy to find out about and talk to some of the amazing groups that use the Theatr. I have really enjoyed looking through photos of past productions and seeing some great work and also talking to some great people! 

What is it about theatre you love? 
I love the process of world building and creating environments that people can lose themselves in. I thinks it's a powerful thing when a piece of performance can transport you to somewhere completely different which then can shift your perspective on the world. 

What inspired you to work with the theatre? 
The brief that was sent out by Brycheiniog was such a unique and unusual one that it was hard to resist. It seemed to combine all of the elements of design that I am interested in, installation, theatre and environment making. The idea to involve as much of the theatre community in the piece was also something that I really wanted to be part of. The chance to play with a theatre space in such a different way to how I usually would was fantastic.
Thank you Harry we LOVE the amazing work you have done for our theatre! 

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As a registered charity working to serve the community, the Theatr is always in need of extra support, whether for improvements to the building and to support community projects.

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