WAR HORSE Author Michael Morpurgo's New Work Set for Ypres on WWI Centenary; Virginia McKenna Joins Cast

According to the Telegraph, War Horse author Michael Morpurgo has written a new play in tribute to the centenary of World War I. An abridged version of the play will be performed on the battlefield at Ypres on or around August 4, the day Britain declared war on Germany in 1914. Virginia McKenna will be part of the cast.

"When I heard that Michael Morpurgo wanted me for this production, I was so excited. I jumped at the chance to do it. I think he is a genius," she said. "To have the opportunity to be part of it at Ypres, where it took place, on the centenary of the outbreak of the First World War, where so many men lost their lives, will, I'm sure, be a deeply emotional occasion."

Read the original report here.

The play centers on a football match played between German and British troops in "no man's land" during the Christmas Day truce in 1914.

According to McKenna, a version of the new play will also be performed "soon" during a break in War Horse at the New London Theatre.

McKenna, known for her work in World War I films, has appeared in Carve Her Name with Pride, The Cruel Sea, Born Free and more. McKenna has appeared in the West End in Nymph Errant, Winnie and The King and I, for which she won the 1979 Olivier Award.

Aside from the acclaimed stage play War Horse, which is now playing in London, Australia and New Zealand, Berlin and in North American, UK and Ireland tours, Morpurgo's works have often been adapted for the stage and screen. Gentle Giant was adapted as an opera by composer Stephen McNeff and librettist Mike Kenny at the Royal Opera House in 2006. Film versions have been made of his books Friend or Foe and Why the Whales Came (which has also been made into a stage play), and My Friend Walter and Out of the Ashes have been adapted for TV. Rainbow Bear was adapted as a musical by composer Stephen Barlow, then presented as a ballet by the National Youth Ballet of Great Britain in 2010.

Morpurgo is known for his work in children's literature and was the third Children's Laureate in the UK.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride