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Writer: William Shakespeare.
Director: Selina Cartmell
Reviewer: Ciara Murphy
Reviewed for: The Public Reviews
[Rating:4.0]
King Lear (Owen Roe) is a man who falls
prey to the deceit and treachery of those closest to him. Portrayed as leader,
father, beast and angel; the corporeality of his life is laid bare to the Abbey
audience for the first time in 80 years. Director Selina Cartmell is quoted as
saying that Lear is something you only attempt when you have “grey in your
beard”, and as sure as Lear’s white beard is revealed as black, Cartmell and
her ensemble have triumphed bringing an innovative, touching and at times
harrowing production to Irish audiences.
Lear is dividing his kingdom between his
three daughters and, in an attempt to settle who shall inherit what, he demands
flattery and professions of love from his three daughters Goneril (Tina
Kelligher), Regan (Caoilfhionn Dunne) and Cordelia (Beth Cooke). However, the
honesty of his youngest daughter displeases him so he disinherits her and she
retreats to France, leaving her siblings plotting against their father.
Tense, comedic, frank and relevant; the
idea of death and the tragedies of life, are revealed by an ensemble that in
its unity allows the audience to witness an enthralling performance. Roe brings
a humanity to Lear that has the audience invested in him from Scene One. His
portrayal of the King’s descent to insanity, and the depth of his family’s
betrayal is raw and open.
Garance Marneur’s set design gives a
vivacity to the performance that allows for the multi-layered tragedy to come
into its own. Coupled with the precise lighting (Chahine Yavroyan) and the
intricacies of the sound design (Carl Kennedy), each character is given an
occasion to take centre stage. The choreography, designed by Liz Roche and
Philip Connaughton, gives a structure to the staging and enhances the tone of
the production.
A sense of the contemporary is injected
into the performance through the occasional use of Hiberno-English. These
colloquialisms cushion the occasional harshness of the text and served to
augment the moments of humour that give the audience respite from the
over-arching tragic plot.
With a run time of just over three hours,
the play can, at times, fail to keep the attention of the audience, but it is
quick to re-capture interest. Lorcan Cranitch delivers an earnest
representation of the Earl of Gloucester and his honesty and guileless council
successfully contrasts with the trickery and sinister plans of Lear’s enemies.
This production of King Lear is something which can be universally appreciated. The
progressing madness of the King, and
the inevitable tragedy of the plot come together in a way that resonates truth
and retains contemporary appeal.
Runs until 23/03/13
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