An adaptation of an unusual 16th century play is being given a suitably grand and distinctive historic setting this month, in the latest placement of arts and community into the city by Urban Dream Brokerage.

Located in one of Wellington's most significant spaces, the recently earthquake re-strengthened Grand Hall at the Public Trust Building, Galathea: Into the Bush is a reinvention of an old play in a vacant space. It is under the direction of award-winning young Shakespearean director Ania Upstill and created in consultation with leading youth group InsideOUT (recent winners of Education/Child/Youth Development category at the Wellington Airport Community Awards).

Galathea will provide both a temporary community space and a theatre in the heart of the city, celebrating Wellington's vibrant rainbow community today.

Galathea was originally written in 1588 by Shakespeare's contemporary John Lyly. TwinCity Productions have decided to use the original play as inspiration for a new show.

A Category One historic building of the Edwardian period, the venue is being made possible by owners Maurice and Kaye Clark who with McKee Fehl have done extensive earthquake re-strengthening and refurbishment to the building over the last two years. The building held up well with next to no damage after the November 14 earthquake that has affected many other buildings in Wellington.

In May of this year, the Public Trust building won two awards for 'Heritage' and 'Interior Architecture' at the New Zealand Institute of Architecture Awards and Maurice Clark, CEO of McKee Fehl also received the Ath Cup (in memory of Ian Athfield) for his significant contribution to restoring the Wellington landscape.

“We’re delighted that this beautifully restored building,” says Mark Amery of Urban Dream Brokerage, “which now houses the Ministry of Culture and Heritage can provide a stage for both history, community and the arts to come together in such a vital contemporary way, recognising voices from youth that are not always so well heard in such significant public space.”

In addition to being the performance space, during the run of the show from 1pm– 4pm Twin City Productions open up the venue as a community space for the public, with activities to be announced.

For more information on the production http://galatheaintothebush.weebly.com/

For ticket sales http://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2016/galathea-into-the-bush/wellington-region