London, February 19 George R.R. Martin's highly anticipated play "Game of Thrones: The Mad King," which features familiar characters such as Ned Stark, Robert Baratheon, and Jaime Lannister, will have its world premiere at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this year.
The project is based on Martin's novels and is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke. The story chronicles the fateful tournament at Harrenhal that led to Robert Baratheon's rebellion and the downfall of House Targaryen.
In a statement shared by the Hollywood Reporter, Martin said it was an honor to see the play staged at the renowned venue, as Shakespeare has been a constant source of inspiration for him.
"When I first wrote Game of Thrones, I never imagined it would become anything other than a book," wrote Martin, who serves as the project's creator and executive producer.
"It was a place for my imagination to exist without limits. To my great surprise, it was adapted for a series, and viewers have been able to enter the world of my imagination through television. For my work to now be adapted for the stage is something I did not expect, but I welcome it with great enthusiasm and excitement. Theatre offers something unique: a place for both my imagination and the audience's imagination to meet, and hopefully, create something magical."
The author said the Royal Shakespeare Company was the obvious choice when considering putting a "Game of Thrones" story on stage.
"Shakespeare is the greatest name in English literature, and his plays have been a constant source of inspiration for me and my writing. Not only that, he faced similar challenges in staging a battle, so we are in good company. It will be thrilling to watch the events of this new play unfold in a live environment. Duncan's masterful script honors the world completely, and I am so excited for both fans of the series, and perhaps people who have never picked up one of my books, to experience this new story in a theatre."
Macmillan, who has adapted the story and director Cooke, in a joint statement, said the play is a prequel and takes place over a decade before the events of "Game of Thrones."
"George's storytelling is Shakespearean in its scale and its themes – dynastic struggle, ambition, rebellion, madness, prophecy, and ill-fated love. From the beginning, Shakespeare's histories and tragedies have been our primary reference for this production, so the RSC feels like a natural home."