Shakespeare’s Masterpiece — King Lear at the Shakespeare Theatre

Written in the first decade of the 1600s, and considered one of Shakespeare’s most important tragedies, King Lear tells the family drama tale of the elderly British monarch, King Lear, who is ready to retire and must divide his kingdom between his three daughters.  He pledges the largest share this favorite daughter who he believes loves him the most. The other two daughters object and declare their love for their father, rather insincerely, while his favorite daughter who doesn’t play the game, fails to convince her father of her love for him.  Lear disinherits her and splits his kingdom between the other two sisters.

Ultimately, Leah denounces them all, leading the family into a violent power struggles. The result is infighting, shifts in power, plotting and backstabbing, treachery, attempted overthrows and murders, as the aged king seems to drift into madness.

King Lear is considered the most powerful and passionate character in all of Shakespeare’s stories.

Stacy Keach plays the title role, in his first appearance at the Shakespeare Theatre in Washington, DC since performing MacBeth in 1995. Tony Award wining director Robert Falls restages his 2006 production, capturing both the violence and passion of Shakespeare’s classic masterpiece.

King Lear
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Sidney Harmon Hall
610 F Street, NW
Washington, DC 20003  (map it)

Dates & Times – June 16 – July 19, 2009

Tickets - $23.00 – and are available online or by phone at 202-547-1122. 

NOTE:  This production is not for children as it features nudity, graphic violence and sexual material.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Gallery Place-Chinatown Red, Yellow and Green Lines, then a 1-block walk, or Judiciary Square – Red Line, then a 2-block walk, or use the DC Circulator bus.

Parking – Limited metered street parking and area paid garage parking is available. Discounted parking is available at a 9th & D Street garage for $6.00.

Images – King Lear, Shakespeare – both public domain

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