The Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre has today announced Emma Rice’s inaugural season as Artistic Director.
This 2016 season is titled Wonder Season will include productions of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Taming of the Shrew, Macbeth, 946 The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips and Imogen.
Meanwhile, The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse will be hosting a touring production of The Two Gentlemen of Verona and Kneehigh Theatre’s The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk.
Here’s a closer look at what to expect over the next few months at the Shakespeare’s Globe:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (from the 30th April): designed by Lez Brotherston and directed by Emma Rice, this production will open the season of wonder perfectly. When four lovers a group of fairies and of course Puck take to the forest, then expect plenty of magic, comedy and confusion.
The Taming of the Shrew (from the 13th May): Caroline Byrne’s production tells the story of two sisters approaching marriage. While Bianca is excited by the prospect, Kate is horrified by the idea of losing her independence. Byrne transports the action to a distinctly Irish setting.
Macbeth (18th June): directed by Iqbal Khan, the Scottish play sees the result of one man’s ambition that knows no bounds and filled with murder. Khan is an acclaimed theatre and opera director, best known for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the English Opera.
Imogen (17th September): renaming Shakespeare’s Cymbeline, Associate Director Matthew Dunster will take charge of the production .
946 The Amazing Story of Adolphus Tips (11th August – 11th September): this is a co-adaptation between Michael Morpurgo and Emma Rice and tells the story about the preparation of the D-Day landings.
Meanwhile in The Sam Wanamaker Playhouse:
The Flying Lovers of Vitebsk (16 June to 2 July): this Knee High and Bristol Old Vic production charts the marriage between Marc and Bella Chagall and draws from music and dance inspired by the Russian and Jewish tradition.
The Merchant of Venice (October): Jonathan Munby’s The Merchant of Venice will open at the Liverpool Playhouse in June, touring nationally and internationally, returning to the Globe stage in October. Multi-award winning actor Jonathan Pryce will reprise his role as Shylock.
The Two Gentlemen of Verona (19 September to 1 October 2016): this touring production will be directed by Everyman & Playhouse Associate Director Nick Bagnall
The Inn at Lydda (September): John Wolfson’s play is based on a reference in the New Testament Apocrypha and follows Tiberius Caesar and a remarkable meeting with Jesus Christ in Judea.
Cast and the full creative teams for all productions have yet to be announced. Keep up with all the latest news about the productions by visiting: http://www.shakespearesglobe.com/.