Ian McKellen is set to headline an innovative theatrical production making its UK premiere in Manchester next spring, though the veteran performer will not physically appear on stage. The Lord of the Rings star is involved in An Ark, a mixed reality theatrical experience that premiered earlier this year in New York.
Attendees at the production will be provided with smart glasses that project the actors directly into the surrounding physical space. John McGrath, chief executive of Factory International, the organization staging the event, explained that mixed reality blends virtual elements with the actual environment around the viewer.
McGrath contrasted the format with virtual reality, noting that instead of donning goggles that completely block out the physical world, these glasses overlay projections onto the real space. Regarding McKellen's physical participation in the production, which runs at Aviva Studios from March 27 to April 10, McGrath confirmed that only his virtual presence will be featured, though the actor might visit in person.
To capture the performances, four actors were recorded by 52 cameras in a single take at a studio in Grenoble, France. McGrath compared the experience to cinema rather than traditional theater, noting that audiences are already accustomed to watching actors on screen without expecting them to be present in the room.
The 47-minute production explores themes of life and death, utilizing the technology to present actors recounting human stories regarding growth, connection, and grief. McGrath highlighted that the medium offers a high degree of intimacy, making viewers feel as though the performers are sitting directly in front of them for a personal presentation.
From an actor's perspective, McGrath suggested the process resembles filmmaking more closely than stage acting, providing a novel challenge for performers. Alongside this presentation, Factory International intends to host public discussions addressing the ethics and future implications of mixed reality technology as part of its upcoming programming.