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The Encounter 2016

Run Time:
One hour and 45 minutes, with no intermission
Ages: 13+
Opened: September 29, 2016
Closing: January 08, 2017

The Encounter - 2016 Broadway History , Info & More

Hailed by Ben Brantley of The New York Times as "one of the most immersive theater pieces ever created," Complicite theater company's THE ENCOUNTER comes to Broadway this fall in a strictly limited engagement after enormously acclaimed runs in London, Edinburgh and beyond. Conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, this is an utterly mesmerizing play that the The Daily Mail says is "unlike any other theatrical experience." And The Daily Telegraph calls it "spellbinding."



Get ready for a truly original, utterly astonishing night of theater: Once you take your seat, your senses will be engaged in new and breathtaking ways as Simon McBurney leads you deep into the Amazon rainforest. Inspired by real events, THE ENCOUNTER follows a National Geographic photographer as he finds himself lost in a remote area of Brazil. Through innovative aural technology and brilliant storytelling, this is a heart-stopping, riveting and slyly witty night of theater... and an encounter you'll never forget.


The Encounter - 2016 - Broadway Cast

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PREVIEW The Encounter - 2016 - Broadway

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FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Encounter

'The Encounter': Theater Review
8 / 10

Given how thoroughly the audience is let in both on the technology and the artifice, as well as the research that went into creating The Encounter, it's remarkable how quickly and completely the piece becomes an immersive narrative. Throughout, McBurney shifts between his own voice - either as onstage narrator or back in his London home studio with frequent interruptions from his 5-year-old daughter, heard in recordings - and the deeper, American-accented voice of McIntyre. Yet despite the constant reminders that this is an act of storytelling, the lines separating our experience in the theater from McIntyre's in the rainforest and from McBurney's own thoughts all but vanish.

Broadway Review: Complicite’s ‘The Encounter’
10 / 10

It's a story told with vivid precision, both linguistic and theatrical. McBurney flies over the Amazon with a bamboo stick for a plane. He takes us right into the rainforest, looping his own animal whoops and insectoid croaks as he circles the stage, rustling plastic for leaves underfoot. The head-mic becomes the shamanic headman. It's a deeply immersive experience, completely transporting. You seem to fall out of time with McIntyre and McBurney, rapt by this gripping thriller.

THE ENCOUNTER Starts Final Leg of Broadway Journey This Week
by BWW News Desk - January 3, 2017


Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, begins its final week of performances on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production must close on January 8, 2017.

THE ENCOUNTER Enters Final Leg of Amazonian Journey on Broadway
by BWW News Desk - December 16, 2016


Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, is now in its final weeks on Broadway at the John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production must close on January 8, 2017.

THE ENCOUNTER Announces Digital Ticket Lottery
by Ashlee Latimer - October 18, 2016


Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, will launch a digital lottery beginning Tuesday, October 18.  

BWW Exclusive: Ken Fallin Draws the Stage - THE ROADS TO HOME
by Ken Fallin - October 7, 2016


BroadwayWorld has teamed up with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Below, check out his latest illustration, featuring Harriet Harris, Rebecca Brooksher and Hallie Foote in Primary Stages' THE ROADS TO HOME.

THE ENCOUNTER, Starring Simon McBurney, Headed to San Francisco Next Spring
by BWW News Desk - October 5, 2016


On the heels of unanimous raves on Broadway, Carole Shorenstein Hays announced today that the Complicite production of The Encounter, Simon McBurney's riveting one-man play where audience members must wear headphones to take part in the journey, will continue at the Curran for a limited engagement next spring, April 25 - May 7, 2017.

BWW Review: THE ENCOUNTER Is More Tech Demo Than Engaging Storytelling
by Michael Dale - September 30, 2016


The underappreciated art of sound design takes center stage in Simon McBurney's THE ENCOUNTER, a dramatization of Petru Popescu's book "Amazon Beaming" that comes off more as a demonstration of technological capabilities than engaging storytelling.

TV: Out of the Amazon- Simon McBurney Celebrates Opening Night of THE ENCOUNTER
by TV - Opening Night Special - October 2, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, opened just last night at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production began performances on September 20 and will play a limited engagement through January 8, 2017.

BWW Exclusive: Ken Fallin Draws the Stage - Simon McBurney in THE ENCOUNTER
by Ken Fallin - September 30, 2016


BroadwayWorld has teamed up with renowned caricature artist Ken Fallin, a life-long theater enthusiast, who has drawn many Broadway and Off-Broadway productions. Below, check out his latest illustration, featuring Simon McBurney, currently starring in The Encounter on Broadway!

Photo Coverage: Simon McBurney Takes Opening Night Bows in THE ENCOUNTER on Broadway!
by Jennifer Broski - September 30, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, opened just last night at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production began performances on September 20 and will play a limited engagement through January 8, 2017.

Photo Coverage: On the Opening Night Red Carpet for THE ENCOUNTER
by Jennifer Broski - September 30, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, opened just last night at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production began performances on September 20 and will play a limited engagement through January 8, 2017.

Review Roundup: THE ENCOUNTER Opens on Broadway
by A.A. Cristi - September 29, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, opens tonight at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production began performances on September 20 and will play a limited engagement through January 8, 2017. BroadwayWorld is bringing you all the reviews as they roll in. Let's see what the critics had to say:

Photo Flash: Simon McBurney Takes on the Jungle in THE ENCOUNTER
by Nicole Rosky - September 29, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, opens tonight at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production began performances on September 20 and will play a limited engagement through January 8, 2017.

THE ENCOUNTER Brings Brazilian Adventure to Broadway Tonight
by BWW News Desk - September 20, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, begins performances tonight at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street). The production will open on Thursday, September 29 and play a limited engagement through January 8 2017.

TV: Preview Broadway's Innovative New Play - THE ENCOUNTER
by Robert Diamond - September 19, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, will play a limited engagement at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), opening on Thursday, September 29 and closing on January 8 2017. Previews begin on September 20. This week, he previewed the new intriguing piece to the press.

FREEZE FRAME: Simon McBurney Previews Broadway's THE ENCOUNTER
by Walter McBride - September 16, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, will play a limited engagement at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), opening on Thursday, September 29 and closing on January 8 2017. Previews begin on September 20. BroadwayWorld has a sneak peek at the show's press preview below - check back for full coverage!

Broadway's THE ENCOUNTER Announces Student Ticket Policy
by BWW News Desk - September 12, 2016


Producers of the Broadway production of Complicite's The Encounter announced today the show's student ticket policies.

TV Exclusive: Open Your Ears and Watch the First Trailer for THE ENCOUNTER on Broadway!
by Nicole Rosky - August 4, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, will play a limited engagement at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), opening on Thursday, September 29 and closing on January 8 2017. Previews begin on September 20.

Up on the Marquee: THE ENCOUNTER
by Walter McBride - July 28, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, will play a limited engagement at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), opening on Thursday, September 29 and closing on January 8 2017. Previews begin on September 20.

Simon McBurney's THE ENCOUNTER Will Land on Broadway This Fall!
by Nicole Rosky - June 15, 2016


Direct from London and an international tour, Complicite's acclaimed production of The Encounter, conceived, directed and performed by Simon McBurney, will play a limited engagement at Broadway's John Golden Theatre (252 West 45th Street), opening on Thursday, September 29 and closing on January 8 2017. Previews begin on September 20.

The Encounter History

Other Productions of The Encounter

2016   Broadway Original Broadway Production
Broadway

The Encounter - 2016 Broadway Awards and Nominations

Note: Award winners will appear on a background
Year Ceremony Category Nominee
2017 Drama Desk Awards Outstanding Sound Design in a Play Pete Malkin
2017 Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance Award Simon McBurney
2017 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Solo Performance Simon McBurney
2017 Outer Critics Circle Awards Outstanding Sound Design (Play or Musical) Pete Malkin
2017 Tony Awards Special Tony Award Gareth Fry

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