King Lear is one of William Shakespeare’s most psychologically raw, not to mention theatrically complex, tragedies. As such, it has never joined MADC’s decades-long tradition of staging open-air summer Shakespeare plays – until now.
Indeed, opening at San Anton Gardens on July 18, MADC will rise to the challenge with its first-ever production of King Lear.
Taking on the title role is veteran actor Stephen Oliver, whose decades of Shakespearean work includes playing Iago, Shylock and Malvolio. Yet even with that experience, Lear looms large.
“Like the role of Hamlet for a young actor, King Lear is considered the pinnacle of a mature actor’s career,” Oliver says. “He starts as a powerful, yet flawed, monarch, and his pride leads him to make rash decisions. Through suffering and madness, he gains humility and ultimately reaches a kind of tragic redemption.”
Working alongside a diverse cast of Shakespearean stalwarts and emerging performers – since developing local talent is another key contribution of MADC’s theatrical legacy in Malta – has added a unique dynamic to the rehearsal room.
“It’s always a delight to share the stage with experienced actors, some of whom I’ve directed or performed with before,” he continues. “Working alongside emerging performers is just as exciting, as they bring fresh ideas and a vibrant energy.”
As one of Shakespeare’s most emotionally demanding works, the play’s enduring power lies more in its intimacy and personal chaos than its political grandeur, says director, Chris Gatt.
“Unlike epic tragedies like Julius Caesar, Shakespeare’s interest here lies within the confines of two families whose faith is intertwined by a net of hypocrisy, lies and jealousy. This is an investigation on deeply personal issues and family life played against a background of the political life of the country,” he explains.
The play follows the titular king, as he asks his three daughters to prove their love for him to receive their share of his kingdom. His two eldest flatter him, while Cordelia, the youngest, is honest. Thus, the king casts her out – starting a ripple effect that unravels family bonds and questions the meaning of loyalty.
Gatt admits that staging such a psychologically charged play outdoors brings its own challenges.
“This is a play made for indoors – it was first performed on Boxing Day 1606 at Whitehall Palace – so it is best suited for intimate spaces,” he says.
“However, the play is not as ‘fragile’ as some might think. Starting off with what is probably the most dramatic opening of any play ever, the characters wrestle with ambition, jealousy and hatred or love and respect, their lives pushed to the extreme as emotions run high and overcome reason. All these elements – including the infamous storm – come together with much blood along the way, to create a breathless, fast-paced, action-packed story.”
Yet despite its darkness, both Gatt and Oliver agree that King Lear speaks powerfully to today’s audiences.
“It remains relevant and resonant because of its profound exploration of the human condition,” Oliver says.
“There are so many facets in Lear’s character that audiences can so easily identify with. The play forces us to confront love, loss, power, aging, family breakdown – and ultimately, our own mortality.”
Gatt sees King Lear’s influence in modern storytelling, too.
“Forty years ago, I saw my first King Lear at the National Theatre with a young Brian Cox,” he recalls.
“Today, the same actor plays Logan Roy in the hit TV series Succession – a man who torments his children and plays power games right to the end. The similarity to Lear is not coincidental. It is still very much our contemporary.”
For audiences new to Shakespeare, Gatt hopes MADC’s first production of King Lear will feel both fresh and familiar.
“It’s a great story, full of emotion, twists, turns, violence and even a few laughs,” he says.
“The characters may wear period costumes, but the dilemmas they face haven’t changed. If anything, they’ve become even more recognisable. I suspect audiences will be surprised to realise how familiar they are with the story.”
MADC’s production of William Shakespeare’s King Lear performs at San Anton Gardens, Attard, from July 18-21 and 23-27 at 8pm. Suitable for audiences aged 10 and above. Tickets are available at www.madc.com.mt.