More Lear reviews

Continuing from the last post.

Kevin Kline as Lear? I see him as being too young - to me he is a comedic actor, not a figure of pity.
1. What are the two differeing ways to play the opening scene? Which does this review prefer? Which do you prefer and why?
2. "A little humor and some pockets of lucidity help speed the story’s route into the abyss, of course." Is this something you agree with? Did you like the humour in the Bondi production?

Germaine Greer's review of RSC's Lear is very well written.
1. Where do you think Lear (McKellen) drops his trousers? Why that scene? What might a naked Lear add to the play?
2. Is this a feminist reading of the play? why?


The idea behind reading all these reviews is so that you can consider the many different interpretations, productions, of the play. Once you have a good idea of the many ways is can be performed, you can assume a well-rounded opinion of your own.

And yes, Dr. Who was very good.

Lear Productions - reviews

Here are some reviews of King Lear from around the world, from the last few years. Have a read, consider some questions.

Director Robert Falls gives a Balkan setting to his Lear.

1. What do you feel this interpretation would add to the themes of the play?
2. Do you feel that a raped Cordelia is a justifiable interpretation?
3. How do you feel a change in set, from wealth to destruction, adds to the audience's understanding of Lear's downfall?
4. Do you feel that this kind of interpretation allows a modern audience to interact with the text more, or less?

Forward Theatre's Lear uses a new culture to tell its story.

1. Do you feel that a 'viking' theme detracts too much from the issues of the text? Or does it highlight them?

I'll gather some more tomorrow - right now, I HAVE to watch the new Dr. Who.

Or the world will end.