Both mad and playful, this is King Lear as you've never seen it before. Performed by Leofric Kingsford-Smith (Underbelly, Crownies, Home and Away), Lucas R. Tsolakian (Avignon Le Off, The Performers Inc.) and directed by Sara Fernandez Reyes (Hotel Medea, Edinburgh Fringe, Festival of the World) . Spiritual and explosive, this performance will exhilarate you.

Buy Tickets

Facebook

Edinburgh Show Video

Buy Tickets

THE MADNESS OF KING LEAR

The Madness of King Lear finds the spirit of the old King unable to rest after the tragic events of his life. Lost in his memories, his madness has taken control. We see Lear fight within to understand the actions of his three daughters and his dear Fool. The Fool – as Lear’s shamanic companion – shapeshifts to help his master, but madness is a fearsome foe that is not easily tamed. This is King Lear as you have never seen before.

Powerful, emotive words woven with astonishing movement.This exciting new Australian show – touring internationally to Europe, USA and UK – is a new form of Fusion Theatre. Performed by internationally acclaimed artists Leofric Kingsford-Smith (Underbelly, Crownies, Home and Away), Lucas R. Tsolakian (Avignon Le Off, The Performers Inc.) and directed by Sara Fernandez Reyes (Hotel Medea, Edinburgh Fringe, Festival of the World).

“Hugely inventive... ingenious twist” – The Scotsman

“A must-see for all Shakespeare fans... I’d like to see more Shakespeare presented in this manner –Exhilarating” – Rip It Up Publications

 “The experience is visceral, and deeply moving... An exciting re-imagining of Shakespeare’s classic tale of betrayal and madness." – The Barefoot Review

“I took my Grandson and he loved it. High praise when you capture an 8yr old with Shakespeare"  Jean Cannon

KING LEAR PLOT SYNOPSIS

King Lear was growing old and wished only to end his days quietly near his three daughters. Two of them were married, while the youngest – Cordelia – had two suitors. Lear called his three daughters together and proposed to divide his kingdom between them. “But first,” said he, “Which of you shall we say doth love us most?”

Both Goneril and Regan elegantly professed their love to their father, which pleased the King greatly. He then turned to Cordelia, “Now, our joy, though last not least,” he said, “What can you say?”

“Nothing, my lord,” answered Cordelia; she was disgusted by the way her sisters had falsely declared their love. “I love your Majesty according to my duty--no more, no less.” 

Lear, who had loved Cordelia best, was outraged, “be forever a stranger to my heart and me.” The Earl of Kent tried to say a word for her sake, but Lear would not listen and banished him. He divided the kingdom between Goneril and Regan, and declared he would keep a hundred knights at arms and live with his daughters by turns. Poor Cordelia was left with nothing. The King of France, however, saw her strength and married her.

When the King went to stay with Goneril, her true nature was revealed; she was harsh and undutiful to him, and reduced his retinue! The King had now only two faithful friends-- the Earl of Kent, who was disguised as a servingman, and his Fool. Lear left Goneril’s palace in a rage and headed for Regan’s castle.

Regan’s welcome for her father was even more severe, saying that fifty knights were too many to wait on him, and Goneril (who had hurried thither to prevent Regan showing any kindness) questioned why he needed any. Lear could plainly see he was not welcome and so angrily he left. In a wild and stormy night he wandered about the heath, half mad with misery and with no companion but the poor Fool. Presently his servant, the good Earl of Kent, met him and persuaded him to take shelter. At daybreak the Earl of Kent removed his royal master to Dover, and hurried to the Court of France to tell Cordelia what had happened.

Cordelia’s husband gave her an army and with it, she landed at Dover. Here she found poor King Lear wandering about the fields, wearing a crown of nettles and weeds. She embraced him. “Forget and forgive,” said Lear; “I am old and foolish.” He knew at last which of his children it was that had loved him best.

Cordelia was defeated by the joint armies of Goneril and Regal. She and her father were thrown into prison. Goneril’s good husband, the Duke of Albany, heard the truth about Goneril and Regan’s wicked and adulterous behaviour. Being exposed, Goneril killed herself, but not before poisoning Regan out of jealousy.

The old King tried to rescue Cordelia but found her hanged in prison. Broken hearted and devastated, he died with Cordelia in his arms.