12th Annual Shakespeare in the Park - King Lear

King Lear has come to be regarded as one of Shakespeare’s supreme achievements and for good reason is one of the chosen texts advised to schools by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority.

In its 12th year of outdoor summer Shakespeare this enthralling play is being presented by Shoreside Theatre in the Pumphouse amphitheatre situated in Killarney Park, Takapuna. “Shakespeare in the Park” has become a recognised summer highlight and attracts patrons from all over the Auckland region and indeed, from further afield.

The Company has also gained a reputation for staging Shakespeare’s writings in the classical or more traditional style, true to period and adhering to his original design. Stylised effects or gimmicks tend not to be imposed.

King Lear rises to great heights of language, passion and imagination. Described as “the most extraordinary and perhaps the greatest play in the English language” every character has a dramatic and imposing vitality.

Two terrible forms of treachery are paralleled in the plot which explores basic human issues and the nature of human dignity. Just as Lear blindly believes the hypocritical speeches of two evil daughters and banishes the favourite daughter who loves him dearly, so the credulous Gloucester is tricked by his bastard son, Edmund into believing that Edgar, his true heir is plotting his death. Lives are in crisis, facing regret and loss yet, in the midst of all this madness is sanity.

Respite from the ambition and cruelty is provided in the lighter sequences from Kent, the fool and the assumed idiocy of the disguised Edgar.

Directed by Milford resident, Carol Dumbleton, a veteran of true Shakespeare production both in New Zealand and the United Kingdom, King Lear has a talented cast that hails from all parts of Auckland.

Event listed by Victoria

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