Island Shakespeare Festival: King Lear

“King Lear” is a tragedy by William Shakespeare that explores the themes of power, betrayal, and madness. The story revolves around King Lear, who decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters based on their flattery. His youngest daughter, Cordelia, refuses to flatter him and is disinherited. The elder daughters, Goneril and Regan, betray Lear, leading to his descent into madness. Meanwhile, the subplot involves the nobleman Gloucester and his sons, Edgar and the treacherous Edmund. Both plots intersect as familial bonds are tested, resulting in tragic consequences for all involved, highlighting the destructive nature of power and deceit.

A long-time bucket-list production for the Island Shakespeare Festival, the production will be helmed by returning director Terri McMahon (she/her). Terri directed a beautiful production of Othello at our festival in 2018, and we’re delighted to bring her artistry back to our stage!

ISF champions the pay-what-you-will model. If you’re flush, pay it forward. If you have less, you are always welcome to the show, no matter what you can afford. $35 per seat ensures program sustainability.