Rylance Returns to The Guthrie as Peer Gynt, Begins Jan.12

The Guthrie announces Mark Rylance will star in a world premiere adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's Peer Gynt by Robert Bly. Directed by Tim Carroll, Peer Gynt begins previews January 12, 2008 and runs through March 2, 2008 on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Guthrie audiences will remember Rylance for his unforgettable performance as Olivia in the Shakespeare's Globe Theatre original practices production of Twelfth Night.  Rylance returned to the Guthrie in 2005 with the Globe Theatre's production of Measure for Measure, in which he played Vincentio.

"Peer Gynt is arrogant, manipulative and dishonest, yet we can't take our eyes off him. This timeless fantasy captures the misadventures of its charismatic central character on a journey to find his proper place in the world. Henrik Ibsen's rarely-produced masterpiece comes alive at the Guthrie in a newly-commissioned translation by prolific poet and Minnesota native Robert Bly," state press notes.

Previews begin January 12, 2008 at 7:30PM; opening January 18, 2008 at 7:30PM with performances through March 2, 2008.  Show times are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:30PM and Sundays at 7PM.  Matinees on selected Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 1PM.

The Guthrie is located at 818 South 2nd Street (at Chicago Avenue), in downtown Minneapolis. To purchase tickets ($24-$69) or season subscriptions call the Guthrie Box Office between 10AM and 8PM daily at 612-377-2224 or toll-free 877-44-STAGE. For more information, or to purchase tickets online, visit www.guthrietheater.org.