King Lear
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King Lear

By William Shakespeare Directed by Bill Rauch
February 21 – November 3, 2013

Ambition is thicker than blood

King Lear is ready to turn his realm over to his three daughters. His plan is simple: Give the biggest piece to the daughter who loves him most. But honeyed words and hubris blind Lear to the true motives of those around him, plunging king and kingdom into a hell of treachery, madness and unspeakable acts—with consequences that reveal the worst and best in human nature. This contemporary staging of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy features actors Jack Willis and Michael Winters playing Lear at alternating performances (schedule below; subject to change). Audience Notes: Strobe lights and haze are used in this production. This production of King Lear is part of Shakespeare for a New Generation, a national theatre initiative sponsored by the National Endowment for the Arts in cooperation with Arts Midwest.
Suitability Suggestions
King Lear is a towering, emotional tragedy with some violent scenes, including the onstage gouging out of eyes, references to illegitimacy and some sexuality. The violence and sensuality inherent in the play will be more immediate and compelling in the intimate confines of the Thomas Theatre. That said, King Lear is one of the great literary masterpieces of the English language, and is considered by many to be Shakespeare’s greatest play. It may be best suited to teenagers who are well prepared for the play’s intricate language and mature themes. Prologue recommended.

Trailer: King Lear

Creative Team

Cast

* Member of Actors' Equity Association (AEA)
**AEA Professional Theatre Intern

OSF thanks our show sponsors

  • LEAD SPONSOR
  • Roberta and David Elliott
  • PRODUCTION PARTNERS
  • Lynne Carmichael
  • Hitz Foundation
  • Hobbes Family

Our 2013 Season