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King Lear

One of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, King Lear is a play about loyalty, love, and the paternal toxicity. After Lear rejects his eldest daughter in a moment of insecurity, Lear is faced with the harsh reality that the one he has banished is the only one that can save him and his kingdom from destruction.

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Play On Shakespeare > Tragedy > King Lear

At a Glance

Love • Disguise • Family

Productions, Readings & Workshops

Lear

September 7 – October 2, 2022 | Cal Shakes & Oakland Theater Project | Production | Orinda, CA, USA
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King Lear cover art from Play On Podcasts

Play On Podcasts

King Lear

Translation by Marcus Gardley
Directed by Eric Ting

In partnership with Next Chapter Podcasts, Play On Podcasts will present Marcus Gardley’s translation of King Lear in February! We are ecstatic to announce this thrilling podcast, directed by Eric Ting and starring the legendary Keith David as Lear. The podcast will also include jazz-inspired sound design.

Listen on Play On Podcasts

Paperback & eBooks

King Lear

By William Shakespeare
Translation by Marcus Gardley

A new translation of Shakespeare’s great tragedy that renews it for today’s audiences.​

Marcus Gardley’s translation of King Lear renews the language of one of Shakespeare’s most frequently staged tragedies for a modern audience. Gardley’s update allows audiences to hear the play anew while still finding themselves in the tragic midst of Shakespeare’s play.

Buy Now from ACMRS Press

Production History

Sep 9, 2018

Translation Workshop

Work session with full cast in NYC.

April 16, 2019

Translation Workshop

Workshop directed by Dawn Monique Williams with full cast in LA.

June 18, 2019

Play On! Festival NYC

Rehearsal and Staged Reading directed by Ian Belknap with full cast as part of the Play On! Translation Festival in NYC.

Produced by:
Play On! / Classic Stage / Oregon Shakespeare Festival

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