Conor McPherson has adapted the first book from Suzanne Collins’ epic The Hunger Games series and the first movie from Lionsgate’s film franchise for a live theatrical production.
The stage adaptation will begin performances on October 20 at the Troubadour Canary Wharf Theatre, a brand-new 1,200-seat venue in London’s Canary Wharf. The production will be helmed by director Matthew Dunster (2:22—A Ghost Story, Hangmen, The Pillowman).
Collins, Hunger Games‘ creator and author, said, “I’m thrilled that The Hunger Games is in the hands of gifted playwright Conor McPherson and accomplished director Matthew Dunster. Connor has done a fantastic adaptation, which is quite unique from the screenplay. And Matthew’s immersive, dynamic staging gives the audience a brand-new way to experience the story.”
Dunster said: “Conor McPherson lifts the detail and power from the book and film and has provided us with the kind of taut and dangerous play he is renowned for. He honors the young voice of Katniss Everdeen and puts her front and center. We’ve been workshopping the play for over a year with our world-class creative team, carefully honing our theatrical vocabulary because we want to bring audiences something as impactful and edgy as Suzanne Collins’ novel and as passionate and exciting as the movie. But we are going to do it in our own way: in the theater. We want our Hunger Games to be uniquely, thrillingly theatrical.”
McPherson said: “As a dad to a teenager myself, it’s especially gratifying working on a story whose values of resilience and moral courage speak to young people in these uncertain times. Our singular focus is to honor Suzanne Collins’ achievement with a faithful adaptation that’s as thrilling on stage as it is on the page. It’s been a great pleasure to watch the theatrical language of this show evolving through explosive workshops under Matthew Dunster’s inspired partnership with choreographer Charlotte Broom and their tireless team of young performers.”
Jenefer Brown, executive VP and head of global products and experiences at Lionsgate, said: “The Hunger Games is one of the best book-to-movie adaptations of all time, inspiring audiences to think deeply about the world around them and the strength of the human spirit. We are honored to bring its powerful story, characters and world to the stage in this latest exciting chapter.”
Tristan Baker and Oliver Royds, joint CEOs and founders of Troubadour Theatres, said: “Bringing The Hunger Games to the stage is an extraordinary moment, and we knew it demanded an equally extraordinary team and venue. This specially designed theatre is the perfect home for Panem, allowing our world-class team to create a transportive, electrifying experience that fully captures the scale, intensity and spectacle of Suzanne Collins’ world. Every element—from the staging to the technology—has been tailored to transport audiences right into the heart of the Games like never before.”
