The Donmar Warehouse is will open its doors to the public next month, offering audiences an intimate (and socially distanced) experience voiced by Juliet Stevenson.
The theatre will open temporarily for two weeks in August for a newly created sound installation that will run in its auditorium, which will be transformed into an immersive dystopian world.
Stevenson stars in a version of Nobel Prize-winning author José Saramago’s novel Blindness, telling the story of a pandemic in which people lose their sight. Played through headphones, the 1995 book has been adapted by playwright Simon Stephens, with binaural sound, and atmospheric set and lighting design.
Audiences will be seated two metres apart from other households, required to wear a mask throughout and use a one-way system around the building.
The government guidelines allow for theatres to reopen for visitors as long as they are not staging live performances.
Artistic director Michael Longhurst said: “With indoor live performance not yet permitted, and social distancing measures reducing capacity, I am proud that the Donmar has risen to the challenge of producing work at this time.
“Our theatre has lain empty for so long, so I am delighted we can gather there for a unique and accessible experience after the isolation of Covid-19.”
The hour-long piece will run four times a day from August 3-22, with sound design by Ben and Max Ringham, set design by Lizzie Clachan and lighting design by Jessica Hung Han Yun.
Tickets go on sale on Friday July 17 at £22.50 and are limited to two each, donmarwarehouse.com
