The world premiere of Michael's Shakespearean solo show, Frequently Asked Questions, will be presented at the New Zealand International Festival in Wellington, 2-11 March 2012, then at Q Theatre, Auckland, 28 March-13 April (dates TBC).  It will also be presented at The Street Theatre, Canberra (Australia) on 10-21 July 2012.

For more information and to book:  Click here for the International Festival, and here for The Street Theatre.

An insomniac called Hamlet discovers a script documenting the end of his life, and begins some serious late-night soul-searching: 'What a piece of work is a man?'; 'To be, or not to be?'  These are his FAQs.  And Hamlet can't sleep until he knows.

Developed in collaboration with writers Natalie Medlock and Dan Musgrove, this semi-autobiiographical work promises to deliver a thrilling fusion of youthful inspiration with virtuosic skill and experience.

Hurst melds his mastery of the Shakesearean form with an irreverent comic edge, darting back and forth between classical poetry and self-effacing banter with startling sleight of hand.  One moment Hamlet questions his existence over a box of noodles; the next he is in conversarion with himself as Macbeth, Othello, and King Lear invade his room and relive their own death scenes in front of him.  All of this builds to an unforgettable battle sequence in which Hurst unleashes 30 years of stage combat experience . . . on himself.

JENNIFER TO DIRECT THE LAST FIVE YEARS

Jennifer will direct Tyran Parke and Cherie Moore in Jason Robert Brown's contemporary song cycle The Last Five Years for Last Tapes Theatre Company at the Herald Theatre, 1-17 March 2012.  Click here to book.

This thought-provoking show tells the story of Jamie, a promising young writer in New York, and Cathy, an actress waiting for her big break.  The Last Five Years sees them share the story of their relationship--Jamie starting from the moment they first meet, and Cathy beginning her story at the end of their five years together.  Their storytelling is powerfully honest, funny, and at times heartbreaking.

AUSA OUTDOOR SHAKESPEARE TRUST PRESENTS MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING

Michael is Trustee of the AUSA Outdoor Shakespeare Trust, which will present Much Ado About Nothing at the University Clocktower Lawn, 3-24 March 2012.  Michael will serve as Production Advisor to director Sam Pascoe.  Starring Jess Bates, Chris Bryan, Alex MacDonald, Natalie Braid, Craig Serventy, and Luck Thornborough. 

Much Ado About Nothing is a light-hearted romp that follows the fortunes of two pairs of lovers: Beatrice and Benedick, staunch advocates of singledom, and their comrades Claudio and Hero, whose sweet and innocent love for each other renders them virtually speechless. Much mirth, mayhem and mischief inevitably ensue . . .

Click here for more info and to book.

MICHAEL DIRECTED SPARTACUS: VENGEANCE EP. 6 'CHOSEN PATH'

Michael directed ep. 6, "Chosen Path", of Spartacus: Vengeance, which will premiere on Starz on 6 March 2012.  He is also a producer for the season.

Michael also directed the first ep, "Fugitivus" which Starz has made available online (click here to watch - U.S. only).  A record 1.4 million views online "put the preliminary total (before Sunday encores) past 4 million viewers" (Hollywood Reporter). 

On 7 November, Starz announced that season 3 of Spartacus will begin filming in New Zealand early in 2012.

Michael talks about 'The Hunt for Spartacus' in the video below:

Spartacus: Vengeance stars Liam McIntyre in the role of Spartacus, following Andy Whitfield's withdrawal from the series due to cancer and his subsequent death.  Click here to see Liam and head writerSteven DeKnight talk about Liam being cast in the role, and click here to watch an interview with Liam at Comic Con.

It was announced on 28 April that Cynthia Addai-Robinson has been cast in the role of Naevia, replacing Leslie-Ann Brandt who left the series.  See the announcement, with picture, here.

On 22 July, it was announced that Ellen Hollman has joined the cast as warrior Saxa; see the announcement here, or go to her website here.

Michael previously directed Spartacus: Blood and Sand episodes 5 'Shadow Games', 9 'Whore', and 12 'Revelations', and Spartacus: Gods of the Arena episode 3 'Paterfamilias'.