King Lear

Photo: Dirk Bleicker

Part of EIF 2011

In a unique combination of the gorgeous gestures, exquisite movement and extraordinary stagecraft of traditional Chinese Peking Opera, the celebrated actor from Taipei, Wu Hsing-kuo adapts themes and relationships from Shakespeare's monumental tragedy of power and deception, King Lear. Read more …

Delivering a one man tour de force, Wu Hsing-kuo simultaneously depicts multiple characters, from the maniacal Lear and his ally Gloucester, to his evil, grasping daughters and the pitiful, lonely Fool. Further pushing the boundaries of traditional theatrical convention, he also appears as himself, exploring his own identity as an actor in relation to the fictional characters he portrays.

Combining richly embroidered and colourful costumes, dazzling martial arts, contemporary dance, traditional live music and song, Wu creates an hypnotic experience for all the senses.

More information on this production is available at eif.co.uk.

The critical consensus

(*) (*) Suzanne Black, The List, 14/08/2011

Michael Billington, The Guardian, 14/08/2011

(*) Michael Coveney, WhatsOnStage.com, 15/08/2011

Wu was visibly moved by the standing ovation at the end of his demanding performance. But really, the pleasure was all ours.

Lauren Paxman, The Stage, 15/08/2011

(*) Neil Cooper, The Herald, 15/08/2011

(*) Joyce McMillan, 15/08/2011

(*) Martin Hoyle, Financial Times, 15/08/2011

(*) Michael Coveney, The Independent, 17/08/2011

It was an eccentric approach that would have been difficult to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the original. It was also, however, a masterly performance of actorly control.

Mark Fisher, The Scotsman, 21/08/2011