Ian McKellen and more join mixed-reality play An Ark in New York

The Shed in New York has announced An Ark, a new mixed reality production written by Simon Stephens, known for The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time and Sea Wall.

Presented in collaboration with Tin Drum, the piece will bring together an ensemble featuring Ian McKellen, Golda Rosheuvel (Bridgerton), Arinzé Kene and Rosie Sheehy.

An Ark is described as the first play created specifically for, and performed in, mixed reality. It follows Tin Drum’s previous collaboration with The Shed, Kagami (2023), which was presented as the first concert in the format. The production continues the company’s exploration of how immersive technology can reshape live performance.

Audiences of up to 200 people will experience An Ark in The Shed’s Level 2 Gallery, wearing headsets that allow the cast to appear as if performing directly to each individual viewer. The work is intended to merge theatrical performance and digital media into a single, shared experience, in a similar vein to something like ABBA Voyage, but delivered through headset.

An Ark will run at The Shed from 9 January to 1 March 2026.