King Lear

Compagnia de’ Colombari’s King Lear is a primal, physical, and potent “paper crown” Lear that strips the Shakespearean classic to its essence. Karin Coonrod utilizes her signature “multiplicity” to shift and deepen audiences’ connection with the characters. Ten diverse actors, ranging in age and gender, embody King Lear at the beginning and conduct a radical takeover of the text and space. Their unity fragments as they tear off their paper crowns and transform into other roles, competing for influence and diminishing the legion of Lears. Through a vigorous exploration of the characters’ egos, motivations, and power dynamics, the actors delve deeply into the internal and external journey of a stubborn, fractured soul who must lose everything to find himself. Transformation takes place in the apocalypse. Coonrod’s immersive production commands us to, as Kent demands of King Lear, “See better.” The play, explored in five “movements,” is adapted and directed by Coonrod with long-time Colombari collaborators Frank London (original music) and Oana Botez (costumes), a talented team of designers, and a diverse cast of 10 actors playing King Lear and other characters.