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National Theatre Live: Bacchae poster
IMDb20251h 49mUnited Kingdom

National Theatre Live: Bacchae

“The women of the Bacchae will not be ignored.”

Synopsis

Fierce and unstoppable, they are a chorus of wild energy ready to shake Thebes to its core — and liberate its women. But their god Dionysos has his own reckoning. In a showdown with his cousin, King Pentheus, family loyalty, political power and human desire are pushed to breaking point.

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Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes

Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.

Bacchae | Official Trailer | National TheatreOfficial

Type: Trailer • Published 2025-05-15

Release History & Theatrical Window

World Premiere

Olivier Theatre

Festival / Special Debut

Key Information & Fast Facts

Director
Indhu Rubasingham
Screenplay & Story
Nima Taleghani
Original Score
D.J. Walde
Original Title
National Theatre Live: Bacchae
Country of Origin
United Kingdom
Spoken Languages
English
Runtime
1h 49m
Production Studios
National Theatre

Creative Leadership & Key Crew

Director

Indhu Rubasingham

Screenplay & Story

Nima Taleghani

Original Score & Music

D.J. Walde

Department Leadership Roster

Indhu Rubasingham

Indhu Rubasingham

Director

Nima Taleghani

Nima Taleghani

Writer

Age Classification & Content Advisories

Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.

International Certification Matrix

United Kingdom (BBFC)15

Suitable only for 15 years and over.

Official cinematic photography and background stills for National Theatre Live: Bacchae.

Featured In Curated Collections

Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring National Theatre Live: Bacchae.

National Theatre Live

All productions released by National Theatre Live, UK – either done directly by the Royal National Theatre or other UK venues/producers. [**NationalTheatre.org.uk**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk) / [**NTLive.com**](https://www.ntlive.com) / [**NTatHome.com**](https://www.ntathome.com) (for its US equivalent, see [**BroadwayHD**](https://www.tmdb.org/company/103196-broadwayhd) and site [**BroadwayHD.com**](https://www.broadwayhd.com).) Some productions were filmed _solely_ for their paid streaming channel "National Theatre at Home", and were branded without the "National Theatre Live" posters which those that also screened in cinemas typically got posters with. (plus: There was a 2009 BBC TV series entry titled "National Theatre Live" with the first five filmed productions that featured additional commentary, at #280519, but this was deleted by a mod!) ______________________________________________________________________ • **2024.05.09.Thu: Plays 1-100** - [**nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25**](https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/news/national-theatre-live-100-plays-in-cinemas-1-25) _"National Theatre Live broadcast its 100th title, Nye, live from the Olivier stage. Now buckle up as we’re going to take you on a journey through all 100 NT Lives (you heard that right). From our first to our most recent, join us to recount all the incredible plays that have made it from the stage to the screen – with some fun facts thrown in for good measure!"_ ______________________________________________________________________ **What is National Theatre Live (NTL) & National Theatre at Home (NTaH)?** ([**Wikipedia**](https://w.wiki/9grq)) National Theatre Live is an initiative from the National Theatre (formerly "Royal National Theatre") in London, who record their own plays (and also may do/did some live broadcasts to cinemas too) and other non-National Theatre productions from selected indie/West-End theatre plays in London and beyond in the UK (eg. Chichester, et al.). Unless it's a live cinema viewing, typically once the live theatre run has ended these are then shown in cinemas. NTL cinema audiences are able to view play recordings at cinema screenings in the UK and globally (eg. Australia, Taiwan, et al.), with cinema releases either concurrently (or after an initial cinema release) also released on their paid streaming service National Theatre at Home. NTaH launched in 2020 offering access to over 100 productions, with new titles added monthly. All titles include captions, over 90% available with Audio Description, and a selection available in British Sign Language (BSL). Reaching theatre audiences globally, streaming to over 184 countries, a majority of audiences having never visited the National Theatre's South Bank home, and is supported by Bloomberg Philanthropies. 2026 research showed 99% of NTaH's audiences are outside London, with over 60% saying filmed theatre options support wider discoverability and increased overall theatre experiences.

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Frequently Asked Questions About National Theatre Live: Bacchae

Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.

What is National Theatre Live: Bacchae about?

Fierce and unstoppable, they are a chorus of wild energy ready to shake Thebes to its core — and liberate its women. But their god Dionysos has his own reckoning. In a showdown with his cousin, King Pentheus, family loyalty, political power and human desire are pushed to breaking point.

Who directed National Theatre Live: Bacchae?

National Theatre Live: Bacchae was directed by Indhu Rubasingham.

Who stars in National Theatre Live: Bacchae?

The principal cast of National Theatre Live: Bacchae includes Melanie-Joyce Bermudez, Natasha Gooden, Elèna Gyasi, Kate Ivory Jordan, Arethajay McEwen.

When was National Theatre Live: Bacchae released and how long is it?

National Theatre Live: Bacchae was released in 2025 with a total runtime of 1h 49m.

Who composed the musical score for National Theatre Live: Bacchae?

The original motion picture soundtrack for National Theatre Live: Bacchae was composed by D.J. Walde.

What is the age rating and content advisory for National Theatre Live: Bacchae?

National Theatre Live: Bacchae holds official age classifications: GB: 15 (Suitable only for 15 years and over.).