subject: Original theatre sets for National Theatre Wales [print this page] National Theatre Wales could have the choice of hundreds of theatre sets for a new production but has chosen the most unlikely venue.
An army base will provide the unusual setting for the oldest surviving play, The Persians.
The play which can be traced back thousands of years to 472BC will undoubtedly have many interesting costumes and stage props, but people may be more interested in the most original choice of theatre sets.
Based in the Brecon Beacons, the Greek tragedy has been adapted for National Theatre Wales by Kaite O'Reilly and this will be the sixth production put on by the group since it launched in March.
So how did director Mike Pearson come up with the idea for such a unique setting?
Speaking to Karen Price from the Western Mail he explains he has had an interest in putting on a theatre production at the Ministry of Defence village ever since he visited the location three years ago.
He said: "When National Theatre Wales suggested I direct a piece during their first year, I knew immediately where I wanted to do it as it is such an unusual place to visit."
The Greek tragedy by Aeschylus was chosen as Mr Pearson wanted to challenge himself with such an extraordinary play that recounts themes such as war, family and ambition.
He also believes the resonance of the play's tragedy will be complemented by the using ancient subject matter and theatre props against a contemporary backdrop of the army base.
He added: "The play is very simple in its structure and I think it works very well in the setting.
"If it was a very complex story, we would have difficulty in telling it."
The play will be running from 11 August until 21 August (excluding Sundays) at the Sennybridge Military Range in Brecons Beacons.
