King Lear
KING LEAR DIREctor’s note
King Lear, often regarded as the "Everest of Shakespeare," is a play that challenges and rewards those brave enough to attempt the ascent. Like Everest, the path is well-trodden, marked by famous landmarks and haunting reminders of previous explorers. However, it is the unique journey of each new ascent that reveals the true majesty of the mountain.
This cast started exploring King Lear in October through the “lens” of focal length — the ability of a camera lens to capture a wide landscape, a family dinner, or a portrait depending on the zoom. Many plays choose a “zoom” setting and stay there — Shakespeare is unique in his ability to interweave all distances into a single script. Lear is a story about a kingdom, torn apart by the breakdown of a single family, intimately told through the perspective of one man’s psychological journey. There are three distinct “zoom” perspectives present in this play, together they constellate a single story about family, human mistakes, and the enduring potential for transformation and forgiveness at the end of all things.
As we traverse each landmark of the play, from raging storms to tragic downfalls, our cast has fearlessly zoomed in and out, capturing the essence of King Lear through a multitude of perspectives. This artistic exploration has not only enriched our understanding of the play but also illuminated the interconnected nature of the human experience – where the personal journey of a king can mirror the struggles and triumphs of an entire realm.
As I write this, we find ourselves in the heart of technical rehearsals, making our final push towards the summit as dawn breaks. This exceptional cast has inspired, challenged, and delighted me throughout the process. Their hard work, creative exploration, and fierce talent have forged a new path up the mountain, and we are eager to share our discoveries with you.
At the peak of this theatrical Everest, there are no lines for selfies or easy shortcuts. Instead, we find the opportunity to blaze new trails, to uncover fresh insights, and to share the breathtaking view from the summit with our audience. We hope you relish the journey as much as we have, and that the transformative power of King Lear resonates with you long after the curtain falls.
-Maria Signorelli
Director, SYT Managing Director
The King is stepping down. The fate of his kingdom rests in the hands of his three daughters — until one daughter stands up to her father, and is cast out of the family and the kingdom.
As the balance of power teeters and the bonds of blood break, the King’s only hopes lie with the one person he vowed never to see again — his banished daughter, Cordelia. Join SYT for Shakespeare’s titanic tale of power, loss, and redemption at the end of all things.