MARION SAUVEBOIS meets a theatre group with a mission

BREAKING the fourth wall and pushing the boundaries of performance is Wrong Shoes actors’ mission.

Founded in 2010, the troupe has worked tirelessly to engage local communities in theatre-making and has built a reputation in Swindon for its thought-provoking yet highly entertaining productions.

It even piqued the interest of the theatre world when it performed The Anima Project at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this year.

The unconventional show, set in a near future where genetic screening is used to determine people’s place in society, was designed to allow spectators to live the play from within.

“Our audience could walk around the action and choose how they experience the performance,” said artistic director Luke Marquez.

“We like to take people out of their comfort zone and break down the barriers between actor and audience.

“Wrong Shoes creates challenging and thought-provoking theatre in unusual spaces. “We aim to create work that explores the audience-performance relationship, work collaboratively in an open, responsive manner to create new and engaging performances.”

Although keen to subvert expectations and explore a more intimate theatrical experience, fun remains one of Luke’s top priorities both for his actors and spectators.

“What is important to me is that we make theatre accessible and fun,” he said.

“Going to the theatre should not be as a symbol of cultural superiority – it should be an enjoyable experience, which can’t be found anywhere else.’’ As part of his next project, which will see Wrong Shoes transform the Artsite gallery in Swindon town centre, Luke is looking for volunteers to help with building and set design in January and early February.

The show will be performed at Artsite the week starting February 8.

To join Wrong Shoes visit wrongshoes.co.uk, facebook.com/ wrongshoestheatre or email post@ wrongshoes.co.uk.