Shakespeare at Red Eight.

From November 18, Red Eight Gallery will be home to StageBlock’s innovative inaugural exhibition, The Shakespeare Portraits (Act I). In this, the gallery will stage a series of ten multimedia portraits: of eminent, well-loved artists who have brought the bard’s work to life over the course of their careers. Distinguished names include Sir Ian McKellen, Sir Patrick Stewart, Sir Derek Jacobi and Dame Harriet Walter — to name but a few.

The gallery explains how “each living portrait captures the true essence and spirit of the sitter, and recreates the quintessential experience of the actor’s intimate connection with their audience and the text.” A blend of mediums is key. The works combine “frozen moments of traditional portraiture and modern cinematography with the powerful brushstrokes of Shakespeare’s language, curated by RSC Honorary Associate Director, Ron Daniels, in a captivating visual experience.”

As well as representing a chance to get up close and personal with the cream of British acting talent, the exhibition is also groundbreaking in its format. “The physical piece is authenticated on-chain, and enables the performing arts to finally enter the wider art market, ensuring authenticity, exclusivity and collector benefits. Led by creative director and producer Arsalan Sattari, co-founded with Dr. Francesco Pierangeli, StageBlock pioneers a new chapter for performance and digital collection.”