TEEN SHAKESPEARE WORKSHOP

William Shakespeare's

KING LEAR

Adapted by Jenna Johnson

Director Lisa Formosa-Parmigiano

This summer our teens have tackled one of the Bard's great tragedies which is often cited as one of the greatest works of literature ever written. Lear decides to step down from the throne and divide his kingdom among his three daughters, based on their professions of love for him. The two oldest, Goneril and Regan, feign love to gain his favor. His youngest, Cordelia, refuses to lie and offers him the respect of a daughter. Lear, craving flattery, disowns her. In a subplot, Edmund, the illegitimate son of the Earl of Gloucester, betrays both his father and brother Edgar. When Gloucester realizes Lear's oldest daughters are plotting against their father, he attempts to help him. There is no happy ending for either family.