Sir Ian McKellen leads UK premiere of mixed-reality theatre play

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 12:20 · Archive

Sir Ian McKellen will star in An Ark, a mixed-reality theatre production making its UK premiere in Manchester next spring, where audiences will wear smart glasses to watch pre-recorded holographic performances.

Sir Ian McKellen will star in An Ark, a groundbreaking mixed-reality theatre production making its UK premiere in Manchester next spring. The 47-minute play, written by Simon Stephens, will be staged at Factory International's Aviva Studios from 27 March to 10 April.

Audiences will wear smart glasses that project three-dimensional holographic videos of the actors into the room around them. The cast—McKellen, Golda Rosheuvel, Arinze Kene and Rosie Sheehy—were filmed using 52 cameras in a studio to create volumetric recordings. McKellen will not perform on stage in person, though he may visit the production during its run.

John McGrath, chief executive of Factory International, explained that mixed reality differs from virtual reality because the glasses 'project into the space but also show the real world you are in'. The production had its debut in New York earlier this year and is described as an emotional exploration of life, love and loss. McKellen said a new Stephens play 'feels more like an explosion' when written for this unique format, and that the cast relished 'the chance to explore a new way of acting'.

How it is being reported

• Ian McKellen to star in UK premiere of ‘mixed reality’ play – but not in personAudiences in Manchester will be asked to wear smart glasses for An Ark, which debuted in New York this year Ian McKellen will star in a groundbreaking new play that gets its UK premiere in Manchester next spring. But the veteran actor will not set foot on stage. The Lord of the Rings star is taking part in An Ark, a “mixed reality” play that had its debut in New York earlier this year. Theatregoers are asked to wear smart glasses, which project the actors into the room. Continue reading...The Guardian · 13 Oct, 12:00
• Sir Ian McKellen leads UK premiere of mixed-reality theatre show An ArkAn Ark is a 47-minute play written by Simon Stephens.Evening Standard · 13 Oct, 12:00

In this story: Sir Ian McKellen · Simon Stephens · Golda Rosheuvel · Arinze Kene · Rosie Sheehy · Factory International · Manchester · New York

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem