Ian McKellen to star in mixed reality play without appearing on stage
The actor will participate in An Ark, a groundbreaking production using smart glasses to project performers, premiering in Manchester next spring.
At a glance
- An Ark is a mixed reality play that had its debut in New York earlier this year
- Audiences will wear smart glasses to view actors projected into the theatre
- The UK premiere takes place in Manchester next spring
- McKellen participates without appearing physically on stage
Ian McKellen will star in An Ark, a mixed reality play making its UK premiere in Manchester next spring. The production debuted in New York earlier this year and requires audiences to wear smart glasses that project the actors into the theatre.
McKellen will not physically appear on stage, instead participating through the mixed reality format. The technology allows theatregoers to see the performers through the smart glasses worn during the performance.
Why it matters
The production represents an experimental approach to theatre using emerging technology to deliver performances to audiences in a novel format.
Original reporting
- The Guardian — WorldIan McKellen to star in UK premiere of ‘mixed reality’ play – but not in person
- The Guardian — CultureIan McKellen to star in UK premiere of ‘mixed reality’ play – but not in person
This brief was written with AI assistance from the reports listed above and checked against our editorial policy. Spotted an error? Request a correction.