Shakespeare's Globe Production of KING LEAR, Starring Joseph Marcell, Begins Tonight at NYU Skirball

NYU Skirball presents Shakespeare's Globe's acclaimed production of William Shakespeare's KING LEAR. Directed by Bill Buckhurst and starring Joseph Marcell in the title role, KING LEAR begins performances at NYU Skirball (566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square, New York, NY, 10012) tonight, September 30, 2014, with opening night set for Wednesday, October 1, 2014, and running through Sunday, October 12, 2014. Tickets are on sale now at www.nyuskirball.org , or by phone at 888.611.8183.

Beginning this fall, NYU Skirball will be the New York home of Shakespeare's Globe, the acclaimed company behind last season's Broadway double-bill ofTwelfth Night and Richard III.KING LEAR will kick off the new partnership this fall when it arrives in New York at NYU Skirball after making stops in the UK and Europe. The production uses eight actors and a booth stage design inspired by images of touring stages from Shakespeare's time.

Old King Lear proposes to give up his crown and divide his kingdom between his three daughters but his rash generosity is cruelly repaid. Lear discovers too late the falsity of the values by which he has lived, and is ultimately plunged into despair and madness. Its tempestuous poetry shot through with moments of humor and heart-rending simplicity, King Lear is a profound exploration of the human condition in all its extremes and complexity.

Using an Elizabethan style booth stage inspired by paintings and etchings from Shakespeare's time, eight actors will double up for this production with the delivery of the verse and the interaction with the audience will derive from a traditional Globe approach.

KING LEAR stars Joseph Marcell as the titular character, as well as Gwendolen Chatfield, Bethan Cullinane, Alex Mugnaioni, Bill Nash, Daniel Pirrie, Shanaya Rafaat, and John Stahal. Directed by Bill Buckhurst, KING LEAR features scenic and costume design by Jonathan Fenson and original music compositions by Alex Silverman.

Tickets for King Lear are on sale and may be purchased online at www.nyuskirball.org, by phone at 888.611.8183, or in person at the NYU Skirball Center Box Office: Tuesday-Saturday, 12:00-6:00 P.M. The NYU Skirball Center for the Performing Arts is located at 566 LaGuardia Place at Washington Square, New York, New York 10012.