Brooklyn Academy, Old Vic join forces

It's a cross-Atlantic cultural connection.

The Brooklyn Academy of Music is teaming up with London's Old Vic theater company and Academy Award-winning director Sam Mendes to produce two plays a year that will run at both theaters.

The three-year venture, known as the Bridge Project, will start in 2008, when Mendes will direct a double bill of "Hamlet" and "The Tempest" featuring a cast of American and British actors. The shows will play in Brooklyn from January to March and in London through May and June. A run in Italy is planned in between the two engagements.

"This unique, three-year collaboration promises to bring a wealth of resonant theater productions to New York City, London and international stages and we're proud to be a part of that endeavor," Joseph Melillo, executive producer of BAM, said Tuesday in a statement.

Kevin Spacey, artistic director at Old Vic, said, "I believe that for the actors and artists involved in this new company, it will be a remarkable and inspirational experience and we're thrilled to be a part of this new venture."

In 2009, the plays will be "The Winter's Tale" and "The Cherry Orchard." The program for 2010 has not been announced.

Mendes, married to actress Kate Winslet, has directed both movies and plays. He won an Oscar for "American Beauty."

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On the Net:

Brooklyn Academy of Music: http://www.bam.org

Old Vic: http://www.oldvictheatre.com