A Signal Across Space / Arwydd Drwy'r Awyr is a 360 virtual reality experience in Welsh and English from award-winning filmmaker Tracy Spottiswoode, together with sound artist Marie Tueje and performers Marega Palser, Mary-Anne Roberts and Gareth Clark.
On May 13 1897, Italian inventor Gugliemo Marconi, working with Cardiff Post Office engineer George Kemp, transmitted and received the first ever wireless signals in Morse Code over open water between Flat Holm Island and Lavernock Point on the coast of south Wales.
It was the beginning of modern communications technology. One of the messages was: 'ARE YOU READY?'
Inspired by Marconi’s experiment, A Signal Across Space / Arwydd Drwy’r Awyr takes the audience on a mesmerising, mysterious and dreamlike journey, layered with the history, mythology, language and nature of the area surrounding Lavernock.
Devised as a site specific performance piece for a single audience member, intended to offer solace in a time of isolation, A Signal Across Space / Arwydd Drwy’r Awyr combines the Celtic tradition of spinning a yarn with the surreal visual appeal of Eastern European fairytales.
The VR headset is a portal, transporting the viewer into a world where guests are invited to commune in rituals both familiar yet strange, embarking on an emotional and evocative journey through the many storied layers of this real and magical place.
Good to know
- Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated world. Guests wear a headset with integrated over the ear headphones.
- The whole experience takes place in an installation space in which visitors wear a VR headset; you will be seated in a swivel chair to allow for 360 viewing. The experience is what is known as ‘passive’, which means there is minimal interactivity, but you can look all around you. The experience has been designed to feel safe, enjoyable, and accessible as possible for everyone. Most of the chapters have subtitles in English and Welsh. These may appear on the rocks at your feet or on the paths or walls of the church you find yourself in.
- Spectacles may be worn under the VR headset however it may be more comfortable to wear contact lenses or go without your glasses for the experience.
- Trained facilitators will be on hand to provide support and guidance throughout the experience should you require it.
- VR headsets are thoroughly cleaned and sanitised after each session.
- Guests arriving for the experience who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to take part.
- Following the VR experience there is a small exhibition containing archive and other audio-visual materials related to the site at Lavernock and Marconi’s wireless experiment to enjoy at your leisure.
Opening times:
Mon – Sat 11am – 7pm
Sun 11am – 4pm
Running time: Approximately 50 minutes or you can choose to experience individual chapters of the story as shorter, stand-alone pieces. Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start of your session to allow time for the welcome briefing.
Age suitability: 13+
Under 15s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. andVR is not recommended for U13s.
