NT Live - an encore screening of Phedre heralds new season
Lizzie Guilfoyle
A SPECIAL encore screening of Phedre, with Helen Mirren in the title role, heralds the second season of National Theatre Live – the NT’s groundbreaking initiative to broadcast live performances of plays to cinemas and performing arts venues around the world.
It was Nicholas Hytner’s production of Phedre that launched National Theatre Live in June 2009. To celebrate the success of the first season, which was seen by 165,000 people on 320 screens in 22 countries, audiences will have another opportunity to see the production on screen in the UK and Europe on September 23, 2010 (see www.ntlive.com for other international dates).
The second season’s line up includes, for the first time, two collaborations with other British theatre companies: Complicite and the Donmar Warehouse, whose productions of A Disappearing Number and King Lear will be filmed respectively at the Theatre Royal, Plymouth and the Donmar’s home theatre in London.
Speaking about the success of NT Live, Nicholas Hytner, Director of the National Theatre, said:
“We couldn’t have foreseen that the experimental National Theatre Live season would be such a hit with audiences around the world, who are hungry to see our work in their local cinema. We’re delighted that we can confidently build on its success with a second season of broadcasts, and warmly welcome our partnerships with Complicite and the Donmar Warehouse.”
National Theatre Live performances are filmed live in high definition and broadcast via satellite to over 300 cinemas around the world, live in Europe and some US cities, and time-delayed in countries further afield.
There are over 75 venues in the UK alongside venues in the USA, Canada, Australia, South Africa, Scandinavia and Europe. The performances at the National Theatre are nominated in advance to allow cameras greater freedom in the auditorium.
Screenings – September 2010 to June 2011
Phedre – September 23, 2010 (encore screening).
Complicite’s A Disappearing Number – October 14, 2010.
Hamlet – December 9, 2010.
FELA! – January 13, 2011.
Donmar Warehouse’s King Lear – February 3, 2011.
Frankenstein – March 17, 2011. Extra date added: March 24, 2011. Read more
The Cherry Orchard – June 30, 2011.