The Bacchae: Anthony Mackie completes cast for next Shakespeare in the Park production

The Public Theater has announced complete casting for the Shakespeare in the Park production of Euripides� The Bacchae, directed by JoAnne Akalaitis with original music by Philip Glass and translated by Nicholas Rudall.

Anthony Mackie will play the lead role of 'Pentheus' joining previously announced George Bartenieff as' Cadmus,' Andr� De Shields as 'Teiresias,' Jonathan Groff as 'Dionysus,' Karen Kandel as 'Chorus Leader,' Joan MacIntosh as 'Agave,' Steven Rishard as 'Cowherd' and Rocco Sisto as 'Messenger.'

Mackie (Pentheus) can currently be seen in the film 'The Hurt Locker.' He most recently performed at The Public Theater in 'The Good Negro' for Public LAB and his Broadway credits include 'Drowning Crow' and 'Ma Rainey�s Black Bottom.' His off-Broadway credits include 'A Soldier�s Play,' 'McReele,' 'Talk' (OBIE Award), 'Topdog/Underdog' and 'Up Against the Wind.' His film credits include 'Notorious,' 'Eagle Eye,' 'Bolden,' 'We Are Marshall,' 'Ascension Day' and more.

The Bacchae will open at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park on 24 Aug 2009, following previews from 11 Aug and run through to 30 Aug 2009.

Director Akalaitis� interpretation of The Bacchae, with a score by Glass, re-imagines the classic story about what happens when a government attempts to outlaw desire.

The Bacchae will feature scenic design by John Conklin; costume design by Kaye Voyce; and lighting design by Jennifer Tipton.

The first Shakespeare in the Park production, Twelfth Night, directed by Daniel Sullivan, and featuring Anne Hathaway as 'Viola,'is currently performing through to 12 Jul 2009.