Confronting the role of the monarch in the balance between authority and chaos, King Lear reveals the beauty of selfless love, the heartache of betrayal, and the descent of civilization into brutishness when selfish greed has run amuck.
Shakespeare’s intense drama returns to Notre Dame in a powerful new production from Actors From The London Stage. Comprised of just five actors, the AFTLS ensemble deftly combines innovative staging with essential props and simple costumes. Each actor shares responsibility for the direction of the play and performs two or three major roles (as well as several minor ones). Through imagination and collaboration, the cast conjures Shakespeare’s immortal words and worlds into being.
Founded in 1975 by Sir Patrick Stewart and Homer “Murph” Swander, Actors From The London Stage (AFTLS) tours the United States each spring and fall. The troupe is made up of a rotating cast of five classically-trained British actors from such prestigious companies as Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre, the Royal Shakespeare Company, and others.
Even though the play will be performed at Washington Hall, the DeBartolo Performing Arts Center ticket office is handling tickets. It is open Monday through Friday from noon-6 p.m. Call 574.631.2800.
Originally published at shakespeare.nd.edu.