We were at the opening of a new two part experience at BOCS in the Wales Millennium Centre, which can either be done separately or, and this is what we would suggest, together.
BATTLESCAR: PUNK WAS INVENTED BY GIRLS is a three-part animated VR film series where you dive into the grungy punk world of two teenage runaways living in late 1970s New York.
Running alongside the experience is a free exhibition, curated by Cardiff Music History. WASTELAND OF MY FATHERS Explores the raw world of punk, showcasing punk culture across Wales. You get to immerse yourself in the music, DIY artwork and thought-provoking lyrics that define this influential subculture.
We strapped on the VR headset, and took a trip back to 1970s New York, before entering the world of 70s punk in Wales. Both experiences shone a light on punk culture, particularly showing how the scene influenced a whole generation of young musicians and artists into expressing their innermost fears and frustrations.
We caught up with DAVID MASSEY, Senior Producer of Digital Experiences at WMC, also DAVID TAYLOR from Cardiff Music History who curated the exhibition…..
Embracing the DIY ethos and the activism that has shaped punk since the Seventies, this exhibition provides a glimpse into the movement. It shares how punk found its place in council estates, docks and mining and slate villages, leaving an indelible mark from north to south Wales.
In Wales, bands embraced punk and its ethos, making their own political statement. Some channelled their energy into advocating for anarchism, animal rights, nuclear disarmament and anti-racism. The Welsh punk scene had its unique backdrop, distinct from New York or London, and the necessity of a DIY approach became its lifeblood.
Meet Lupe, a Puerto-Rican American 16-year-old voiced by Rosario Dawson, and Debbie, a badass with a mysterious past. Lupe needs a home, Debbie wants someone who “gets her,” and together they form a punk band and take on the city.
This coming-of-age drama exudes the energy of New York punk-rock – fast and harsh and loaded with anti-authoritarian ideology, political messages and young rebellion.
WASTELAND OF MY FATHERS is at BOCS at the Wales Millennium Centre through till the 5th November – for details go HERE. The exhibition, curated by Cardiff Music History, is free to see, but we’d highly recommend watching the VR experience – BATTLESCAR: PUNK WAS INVENTED BY GIRLS which is also running through to 5th November. The cost for that is £8, although concessions are in place. There are plenty of time slots for Battlescar over the next few months, for details, go HERE.
just a note on the VR Experience – There is strong language; alcohol and drug use; suicide.
