27 January 2012, 10:00 p.m. on Starz: Spartacus: Vengeanceep. 2.1 "Fugitivus" Michael
directed. 'Spartacus discovers the grave responsibilities and costs involved in his new role as a leader of freed slaves. Claudius Glaber’s arrival in Capua forces Spartacus to keep his rebellious band intact'.
Michael also directed ep. 6, "Chosen Path", and is a producer for the season. Click here for Starz' website for Spartacus: Vengeance.
27-28 January 2012: Official Xena Convention: "The Final Journey"
Michael
and his wife Jennifer Ward-Lealand will be celebrity guests at the final Xena official convention presented by Creation Entertainment, to be held at the Marriott Burbank Airport Hotel in Burbank, California. They will participate in the cabaret on Friday and a Q&A session on Saturday. The Widow Twanky will also attend with a Q&A of her own. Click here for info and to book.
Hamlet in Frequently Asked Questions 2-11 March 2012: New Zealand International Arts Festival, Downstage Theatre
28 March-13 April (dates TBC): Q Theatre, Auckland
10-21 July 2012: The Street Theatre, Canberra, Australia
In Frequently Asked Questions, an insomniac called Hamlet discovers a script documenting the end of his life, and begins some serious late-night soul-searching. 'What a piece of work is a man?', 'To be, or not to be?' These are his FAQs. And Hamlet can't sleep until he knows.
Developed in collaboration with writers Natalie Medlock and Dan Musgrove, this semi-autobiographical work promises to deliver a thrilling fusion of youthful inspiration with virtuosic skill and experience.
Hurst melds his mastery of the Shakespearean form with an irreverent comic edge, darting back and forward between classical poetry and self-effacing banter with startling sleight of hand. One moment Hamlet questions his existence over a box of noodles; the next he is in conversation with himself as Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear invade his room and relive their own death scenes in front of him. All of this builds to an unforgettable battle sequence in which Hurst unleashes 30 years of stage combat experience... on himself.
Frequently Asked Questions is Shakespeare as you've never seen it.
For more information and to book: Click here for the International Festival, and here for The Street Theatre. Check back for booking at Q Theatre.
3-24 March 2012: Much Ado About Nothing
Michael is Trustee of the AUSA Outdoor Shakespeare Trust, which will present Much Ado About Nothing at the University Clocktower Lawn. Michael will serve as Production Advisor to director Sam Pascoe. Starring Jess Bates, Chris Bryan, Alex MacDonald, Natalie Braid, Craig Serventy, and Luke Thornborough. Click here for more info and to book.
Auckland Daze ep. 6
Michael was a guest star on the final episode of this online comedy series that featured his wife Jennifer Ward-Lealand. Watch it online here.
Almighty Johnsons Michael
has a recurring role in season 2, playing the god Kvasir.
Would I Lie to You? Michael
will be a celebrity guest on the new TV3 comedy show.
Inorganic
Michael played Brett in the short film Inorganic directed by Maria-Elena Doyle.
Hamlet Goes Shopping Check out the short film Michael made last year for Texas Radio Big Beat Boutique's "My Window" promotion. See what happens when the melancholy Dane goes in search of new threads. Featuring Natalie Medlock, Dan Musgrove, and Jason Smith.
