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