The Capitol Theatre, recently purchased by Ruth Eckerd Hall and the City of Clearwater, is set to hold another show. Instead of a concert as in the previous two performances, however, this one will be a play. Or perhaps a movie, depending on how you want to look at it.

NT Live, a new initiative from the United Kingdom’s National Theatre, will broadcast live performances of plays onto movie screens around the world, and one of those screens will be at the Capitol Theatre. They are beginning this experiment with a performance of Phèdre by French playwright Jean Racine (this version of the play by Ted Hughes), directed by the National Theatre’s Nicholas Hynter.  The play will be performed live, and the premier will be broadcast to The Capitol Theatre. The play stars Helen Mirren as Phèdre, as well as Dominic Cooper and Margaret Tyzak.

Phèdre is based on Greek mythology. It is the tale of a queen, Phèdre, who declares her love for Hippolyte, her husband Theseus’s son from a previous marriage, when her husband is rumored to be dead after disappearing during an expedition. On Theseus’ unexpected return, Phaedra accuses Hippolyte of trying to seduce her, and a nightmare of tragedy ensues.

Performances will be presented on Friday July 10th at 8pm, and Saturday, July 11th at 2pm. Tickets go on sale Friday, June 19th at noon at the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office. The Capitol Theatre is located at 405 Cleveland Street, Clearwater. For more information, visit http://www.rutheckerdhall.com/, or call the Ruth Eckerd Hall Ticket Office at 727-791-7400