Anthony Mackie Completes Cast for the Public's Upcoming Bacchae

Anthony Mackie will complete the cast of the Public’s Shakespeare in the Park presentation of The Bacchae, starring as leading man Pentheus. Directed by JoAnne Akalaitis with translation by Nicholas Rudall, the production will feature original music by famed contemporary composer Philip Glass. The Bacchae begins performances August 11 at Central Park’s Delacorte Theatre, with opening night set for August 24. The limited engagement plays through August 30.

Mackie joins previously announced cast members George Bartenieff as Cadmus, André De Shields as Teiresias, Jonathan Groff as Dionysus, Karen Kandel as Chorus Leader, Joan MacIntosh as Agave, Steven Rishard as Cowherd and Rocco Sisto as Messenger. The cast also includes April Armstrong, Sullivan Corey, Marisa Echeverria, Tara Hugo, Jennifer Ikeda, Jennifer Nikki Kidwell, Alexa Kryzaniwsky, Vella Lovell, Nana Mensah, Ereni Sevasti, Elena Shaddow, and Han Tang in the Greek chorus.

Mackie was currently be seen in the acclaimed film The Hurt Locker. Broadway credits include Drowning Crow and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom. He performed recently at the Public in The Good Negro. Additional off-Broadway credits include A Soldier’s Play, McReele, Talk, Topdog/Underdog and Up Against the Wind. Mackie has also been seen on the big screen in films including Notorious, Eagle Eye, Bolden, We Are Marshall, Million Dollar Baby and 8 Mile.

Akalaitis’ visionary interpretation of The Bacchae, with a lush score by Glass, re-imagines the classic story about what happens when a government attempts to outlaw desire.

The production will feature scenic design by John Conklin, costume design by Kaye Voyce, lighting design by Jennifer Tipton, sound design by Acme Sound Partners and soundscape by Darron L West.

Shakespeare in the Park's current production of Twelfth Night, starring Anne Hathaway, concludes July 12.