KING LEAR Plays Bribane's QPAC Through May 22

A national tour of Bell Shakespeare's 20th anniversary production of King Lear, billed as the biggest event in Australian theatre in 2010, will launch a three week Brisbane season at QPAC from 5 May.

Brisbane audiences shouldn't miss this opportunity to see John Bell, a national living treasure and consummate performer, take on this epic role.

Michael Gow, Queensland Theatre Company Artistic Director said "This production of King Lear is an outstanding piece of theatre and a chance for audiences to see John Bell take on one of Shakespeare's most challenging roles.

"Queensland Theatre Company and QPAC are co-presenting the show as a key point in our respective histories - 2010 is QPAC's 25th anniversary and Queensland Theatre Company's 40th anniversary. King Lear is a bold piece of theatre and an epic way to mark these occasions."

When the mighty, venerable King Lear abdicates, he divides his kingdom by means of a test; which of his daughters loves him most. His youngest, Cordelia, refuses to play along. Lear, his vanity hurt, cruelly banishes her.

Stripped of power, Lear is abused shamefully by his other daughters. The kingdom descends into anarchy and Lear is exiled on a wind-blastEd Heath, where he loses his sanity. Lear's few remaining friends try to reveal the folly of his ways, in the desperate hope that it is not too late to save Lear's life and throne from the events he has unleashed.

Director: Marion Potts, Designer: Dale Ferguson, Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper, Sound Designer: Stefan Gregory, Composer: Bree van Reyk, Fight Director: Nigel Poulton, Vocal Coach: Peter Carroll, Assistant Director: Jessica Tuckwell, Assistant Lighting Designer: Chris Twyman

Cast: Keith Agius, John Bell, Peter Carroll, Justin Stewart Cotta, Paul English, Peter Kowitz, Josh McConville, Jane Montgomery Griffiths, Bruce Myles, Yalin Ozucelik, Anthony Phelan, Susan Prior, Leah Purcell, Bree van Reyk and Timothy Walter.

Venue: Playhouse, QPAC
Dates: Wednesday 5 May - Saturday 22 May 2010
Tickets: $40 - $65 Under 30: $30
Bookings: QTIX 136 246 or www.qldtheatreco.com.au

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