/Theatre
Lear
Event WebsiteAbout
Returning to Cal Shakes after his acclaimed production of black odyssey, Obie-winning playwright, Marcus Gardley brings his world premiere production of Lear — a deconstruction of the classic story of power, betrayal, and madness — to the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater.
Set in the Fillmore District of San Francisco, this new modern verse translation of Shakespeare’s Classic pays homage to the Bay Area in sight and sound. Lear will feature a live jazz musical accompaniment lead by the prolific SF-Based musician and composer, Marcus Shelby.
SF/Arts Curator Insight
Visionary artistic director Eric Ting recently announced his departure from California Shakespeare Theatre. So this modern verse adaptation of Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” by Oakland-born playwright Marcus Gardley, is Ting’s swan song; he co-directs it with Dawn Monique Williams. Gardley, who has said this is his favorite Shakespeare drama, sets it in the Fillmore district; it includes live original jazz accompaniment by Marcus Shelby.
Jean Schiffman
Contributing Writer, Theater
California Shakespeare Theater/Berkeley