The founder of Heaps Gay has set her sights on her next venture, set inside a 150-year-old deconsecrated church.
Kat Dopper, founder of Heaps Gay and Pleasures Playhouse, is behind Unholy Playhouse, which will re-open the doors of the heritage-listed church on Kent Street.
The church, built in 1868, was decommissioned by the Catholic Church years ago and most recently served as a community theatre.
It will now be reclaimed as a meeting ground for art, culture, drinks and more.
“Artists and audiences need sacred spaces, places where art, community and human connection can happen outside of our everyday lives,” said Dopper.
Dopper said the space would be for the unpolished and unique, a place for artists with something to share.
“This building has a long history as a meeting place and home for the arts, and UNHOLY PLAYHOUSE is the next chapter in the story of this incredible and iconic building.”
Already the likes of Holy Flesh, a late sexy night cabaret, an art ball by The Huxleys, a live exorcism and a cabaret mass hosted by Victoria Falconer have been confirmed for the venue, with more to come.
“In times like these, it’s easy for institutions and culture-makers to revert to mainstream tastes. But this is also when the weirdos work harder: counter-culture thrives, embracing artists and audiences who yearn for something more underground, more avant-garde,” said Unholy contributor Victoria Falconer.
According to the founders, the vibe will shift depending on the night, with Wednesdays offering a speakeasy bar and live residency bands, while Thursday to Saturday will host a rotating roster of events.
Already parties from the likes of Fredas, Heaps Gay, Kerfew and over 140 artists have been confirmed, with the venue now available for artists to book dates.
Each weekend will also be capped off with Sunday Mess: an unholy brunch party curated for the winter season with Performance Space and Stereogamous.
A roster of local visual artists will contribute to the walls of the church, with all art to be sold at the closure of the residency, with proceeds going to youth LGBTQIA+ organisation Twenty10.
Newtown institution Bloodwood will launch the venue’s first food residency, while the house gin, Unholy Water, will be provided by Marrickville distillery Ester.
The venue will officially open on Wednesday July 8.
