A co-commission of the Armory and Manchester International Festival, the critically acclaimed production was originally mounted in Manchester in July and will be re-imagined for the Armory presentation.
Branagh will be joined onstage by Alex Kingston as Lady Macbeth. The production will mark both of the actors' New York stage debuts. Additional casting and performance dates will be announced in the coming months.
The production will also feature set and costume design by Christopher Oram, music by Patrick Doyle, lighting design by Neil Austin, sound design by Christopher Shutt, casting by Anne McNulty, CDG, and associate design by Lee Newby.
“The Armory enables artists to realize site-specific works that demand presentation space beyond limitations found in traditional theaters or museums,” said Rebecca Robertson, president and executive producer of Park Avenue Armory, in a statement. “We are ecstatic to collaborate with Rob Ashford and Kenneth Branagh, combining their incredible vision with our unconventional space and military history to allow audiences to relive this timeless story in a remarkable new way.”
“We are thrilled that Kenneth Branagh will be coming to the Armory to recreate this iconic role following his performance in Manchester this summer,” added Alex Poots, artistic director of Park Avenue Armory and Manchester International Festival. “And I am particularly excited that this production will mark his New York stage debut.” “Restaging this monumental work for the Armory’s soaring drill hall is an inspiring challenge and an incredible opportunity,” noted director Rob Ashford. Director and actor Branagh stated, “Utilizing the possibilities of the vast open space is a truly exciting prospect. I am delighted that we have the chance to recreate Macbeth in this epic setting.”
Macbeth will be featured in Park Avenue Armory’s 2014 season, to be announced in its entirety in the coming months. Tickets will be available as part of a subscription this winter; Armory members receive advance access to tickets.
More information on the production and Armory memberships may be found at armoryonpark.org.
