NYT: Follow Ian McKellen Into the Mixed Reality Future in ‘An Ark’

[MezzA101]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 1:27pm

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/01/12/theater/ark-ian-mckellen-shed.html?unlocked_article_code=1.D1A.pSED.XdShbmZxj29r&smid=nytcore-android-share

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 1:31pm

This was on my list until I realized the actors won't actually be there and then I lost all interest.

[quizking101]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 1:39pm

The whole concept of this had me really confused until they finally clarified that the actors are not actually appearing in person. I smelled something fishy when I saw that Arinzé Kene was currently performing in BENGAL TIGER AT THE BAGHDAD ZOO in London while perusing show options.

To me, this does not feel like theatre. This feels like one of those simulator-type rides at an amusement park (think Soarin’ or Mission: Space at Disney) and with a pretty quick turnaround (47 minutes each - 4-5 shows can fit in a day).

 

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 1:57pm

I wonder how many infuriated people will show up thinking they are seeing these actors? Sounds like a sh*t show.

[SteveSanders]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 2:14pm

The listing page at The Shed makes it very clear the actors are not performing live and that this is virtual reality;

"The actors will not be present; audiences view the entirety of the play through mixed reality glasses."

That same statement also is part of a popup when you go to checkout after selecting a ticket.

[JSquared2]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 2:16pm

TotallyEffed said: "I wonder how many infuriated people will show up thinking they are seeing these actors? Sounds like a sh*t show."

 

And by "infuriated" we of course mean "stupid".  

[TotallyEffed]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 2:28pm

I jusssst have a feeling there will be a lot of that.

[Sutton Ross]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 2:40pm

 It couldn't be clearer what this is and what it's about. Looks interesting but as one comment mentioned people who wear glasses will have a tough time.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 1/12/26 at 4:45pm

I have not been happy with the surge in 4th wall breaking on Broadway (Liberation, Punch) so I highly doubt that I'd enjoy these actors staring at me via this new technology. This experience sounds more creepy than dramatic/cathartic but what do I know.  I also don't like that I wouldn't be able to see other audience members while the goggles were on. 

[1 Minute Critic]

Posted: 1/20/26 at 2:25pm

1 Minute Critic review: 2/5 stars

If you’ve ever wanted to sit within arm’s length of legendary actor Ian McKellen, now’s your chance. Sort of. McKellen appears in the world premiere of An Ark, a “one-of-a-kind theatrical encounter” viewed through mixed reality glasses. The catch? He’s not actually there. Just his photonic projection, hovering in your field of vision like a very expensive ghost.

What happens next is both eerily intimate and oddly disconnected. Simpson Stephen’s script, written in 2nd-person with an emphasis on “you,” attempts to lure the reader with a laundry list of life experiences, hoping that some will resonate as if the late psychic Sylvia Browne were in the room. Full Review Here. 

 

[MezzA101]

Posted: 2/4/26 at 2:50pm

McKellen (live?) scheduled for Colbert tonight.