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KING LEAR

Directed by Ayesha Gibson

AUGUST 2021

Approx. 120 minutes with no interval
fortyfivedownstairs Theatre

Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s moving contemporary adaptation of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy – King Lear is a tender, violent, and intimate exploration of old age portrayed in all its vulnerability, pride, folly and wisdom. Unlike Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s regular outdoor productions, our King Lear production is the first for Melbourne Shakespeare Studio, which will showcase some of Shakespeare's darker repertoire plays not be suitable for children under 12.

"I found Krape's strong performance as a person of power was not bound to gender, but to her skill and experience as an actor." — weekendnotes

Director's Note

Studying and editing King Lear in the midst of 2020 lockdowns and worldwide chaos was an interesting experience to say the least. I couldn’t help but draw parallels between the instability of a man determined to shun responsibilty but maintain his title and many of the most powerful people in the world. While they may not wear crowns and wield scepters there is a specific hierarchy and regality for our leaders today, hence Lear’s corporate motif - our new world order taken to its monarchal extreme. It has been a privilege to bring this world to life with an exceptional cast of actors, they have enriched this edit with their passion for the original text. I hope that their performances will show you that there is strength and softness in some of the most unexpected places, and that we must seek these out to survive the madness.

 

— Ayesha Gibson

KING LEAR CAST

KING LEAR TEAM

King Lear

Evelyn Krape

 

Cordelia

Isabella Ferrer

 

Goneril

Claire Nicholls

 

Regan

Annabelle Tudor

 

Edmund

Matthew Connell

 

Fool

Don Bridges

 

Cornwall, Gentleman

Johnathan Peck

 

Edgar

Kayla Hamill

 

Albany

Augustin Tchantcho

 

Kent

Kevin Hopkins

 

Gloucester

Anthea Davis

 

Oswald

Andrew Dang

 

France

John Reed

Producer

Michael Mack

 

Artistic Director / Marketing

Jennifer Dean

 

Director

Ayesha Gibson

 

Set Designer

Hayley James

 

Stage Manager

Teri Steer

 

Lighting Designer

Alex Blackwell

 

Sound

Ben Keene

 

Costume

Aislinn Naughton

 

Fight Director

John Reed

"Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s production of King Lear is an intelligent and enjoyable interpretation of this classic." — theatrepeople

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