When power and privilege are put to the test...Michael Hurst leads a large, star-studded cast in Auckland Theatre Company’s most ambitious production of 2023; King Lear.
Appearing at ASB Waterfront Theatre from 13 June – 9 July, King Lear is Auckland Theatre Company’s first Shakespeare production in over a decade.
Audiences from ‘Succession’ to ‘Shakespeare’ eager to see Kiwi acting royalty Michael Hurst and a stellar cast take on one of the most iconic stories and ultimate tragedy’s Shakespeare ever told should grab their tickets now.
“It is a story of its time but also of all times. You only have to look at the politics in the world today to see Lear-type figures, secure in their power, making the wrong decisions while surrounded by those that would flatter them in the pursuit of their own advancement.” – London Theatre 1
For the first time, boldly transforming the ASB Waterfront Theatre for traverse staging (the audience will also be on stage), this ambitious large scale, sumptuous production will be one for the ages.
Having built an empire, the ageing Lear is poised to abdicate his crown. When he challenges his children to compete in a declaration of their love in return for his land, his favourite daughter, Cordelia refuses to play the game.
Civilisation is thrust to the edge of chaos and Lear, unravelled and broken by his own vanity, will be forced to confront who he is for the very first time.
Tender, violent, moving, humbling, King Lear navigates the complexities and contradictions of human nature like no other piece of storytelling.
Just as Shakespeare reflected the society of the day, Auckland Theatre Company’s production of King Lear continues to do so, reflecting the patriarchy and power dynamics of political and business dynamics of today.
At a time when we are all reconsidering the role of monarchy, Shakespeare’s great meditation on succession, family and country couldn’t be more potent.
Michael Hurst, one of Aotearoa’s greatest exponents of Shakespeare, takes the crown. Renowned for his boldly theatrical contemporary productions, this iconic artist will be joined by a large ensemble cast including; Fasitua Amosa (Sione’s Wedding, Young Rock 1&2), Adam Burrell (An Act of God, K Road Strip), Uhyoung Choi (A Yellow Peril, Shortland Street), Andi Crown (Head High, The Gulf), Joe Dekkers Reihana (Disrupt, The Made, Shortland Street), Jessie Lawrence (Brokenwood Mysteries, My Life is Murder, North by Northwest), Colin McColl (Two Gentlemen of Verona, Travesties), Shadon Meredith (Shortland Street, Spartacus, Power Ranges), Cameron Rhodes (North by Northwest, Lord of the Rings, Brokenwood Mysteries), Beatriz Romilly (Shortland Street, Grand Horizons), Hanah Tayeb (Shortland Street, A Dolls House), Hester Ullyart (One Lane Bridge, One Of Us Is Lying, Paragon Dreams) and Jennifer Ward-Lealand (Twelfth Night, Two Ladies, Six Degrees of Separation, The Writer).
The formidable creative team lead by Co-Directors Michael Hurst and Benjamin Henson, includes costume designer Elizabeth Whiting, composer/sound designer John Gibson, set design by John Verryt, Vanda Karolczak on lighting design and vocal coach Kirstie O’Sullivan.
King Lear Presented by Auckland Theatre Company
Tuesday, 13 June – 9 July.
ASB Waterfront Theatre, 138 Halsey Street, Wynyard Quarter.
www.atc.co.nz/auckland-theatre-company
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