BAM Presents the U.S. Premiere Of Royal Shakespeare Company's New Production Of KING LEAR

The incomparable Sir Antony Sher and the legendary Royal Shakespeare Company return to BAM with their acclaimed new production of King Lear. Directed by Artistic Director Gregory Doran and presented at BAM in its US premiere, it is the last Shakespearean role for Sher.

In this magnum opus within Shakespeare's canon of kings, he tackles the colossal role of Lear with his signature ferocity and power, personifying one of drama's most tragic falls from grace. After ruling for many years and reaching the age of 80, the widowed King Lear announces his intention to divide his kingdom and the monarchy evenly among his three daughters. However, with hubris he misjudges their loyalty, soon finding himself stripped of all the trappings of state and power that had defined him-and descending into madness. Doran stages the production amid stark, modern sets, allowing Shakespeare's language and Jacobean brutality to take center stage.

The exceptional cast features superlative performances including the Zimbabwean-British actress Mimi Ndiweni as Cordelia and the US stage debut of British actor Paapa Essiedu as Edmund. (Washington, D.C. audiences will have the chance to see the enthralling Essiedu as he tackles the title role of RSC's Hamlet at the Kennedy Center in May 2018.) The production features a community component with 12 local volunteers in supporting, non-speaking roles such as "Vagrant", "Knight", and "Hunter." The volunteers will also learn the intricacies and choreography for a key battle scene that employs shadow and complex lighting.

BAM Harvey Theater (651 Fulton St.)
Apr 7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-28 at 7:30pm; Apr 21 & 28 at 1:30pm;
Apr 8, 15, 22 & 29 at 3pm
Tickets start at $35
Press previews, Apr 11 & 12 at 7:30pm

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