This play by William Shakespeare is considered to be one of the greatest tragedies ever written. Next month, National Theatre Live will broadast Ian McKellen’s performance as it happens from London’s West End at Emagine Theatre in Saline. [1,2,3,4,5]
- September 27 (Thursday), with show starting at 7:00pm
Plot summary on NT Live: “… King Lear sees two aging fathers – one a King, one his courtier – reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.
Remarkably, a highly recommended resource is available for those who would like to be (more) thoroughly prepared to study this interpretation on screen here. “King Lear with Christopher Plumber,” is currently available through PBS online episode two of the second season of the series Shakespeare Uncovered. Naturally, spoilers should be expected within.[6]
Ian McKellen gave an interview that neatly summarizes the character, issues, and importance of King Lear as a work; it’s immediately available and free on YouTube. [7]
As always, before finalizing plans, check the Emagine Entertainent website to verify show dates and times.
References
- “William Shakespeare” History.
- “Shakespeare Uncovered” BBC Four.
- “King Lear by William Shakespeare” National Theatre Live.
- “Ian McKellen” IMDb.
- Emagine Entertainment (showtimes).
- “King Lear with Christopher Plumber” Shakespeare Uncovered (January 30, 2015) PBS.
- “Ian McKellen: Understanding King Lear, the Character” StagingShakespeare (February 17, 2014) YouTube.
