theatre

The University of Adelaide Theatre Guild have placed their production of King Lear in a post-apocalyptic dystopian setting which is set amidst the madness of a world in ruins more than reminiscent of the Mad Max series. I would not have been surprised if Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) walked in to play the old deranged king, there are a number of parallels.

Director Brant Eustice says, “There is enormous joy to be found in Shakespeare’s universal themes and a brilliance in his writing which not only allows, but also encourages theatregoers to continue exploring the depth, complexity and beauty of his stories in new styles. Due to a global calamity, civilisation as we view it has collapsed and has returned to the ways of a distant past. We find ourselves in a world which is slowly trying to rebuild itself.”

This production succeeds in most ways, but does not always achieve Eustice’s aims.

For those who don’t know the play, King Lear is based on the legend of Leir of Britain. Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, but he is deceived by the flattery of Goneril and Regan, who turn against him, and he banishes the loyal Cordelia, who loves him. Lear becomes mad and wanders in a storm, while Cordelia returns with an army to restore him. The play ends with the deaths of Lear and his daughters.

According to the esteemed critic Frank Kermode, “the play…offers neither its good characters nor its audience any relief from its cruelty”. I disagree with Kermode in that while cruelty is more than evident, there is an abundance of humour in the play which Eustice highlights.

Every centimetre of the Little Theatre is used to advantage and thanks to Eustice’s direction, the scene changes are quick and efficient, and the characters are well developed.

His direction is complemented by Kate Prescott’s set design, Lisa Lanzi’s costume design, Richard Parkhill’s moody lighting, Sean Smith’s sound design. Michael Green’s original haunting music and Anne-Louise Smith’s hair teasing and primping.

This production features 16 performers, some playing multiple roles.

Michael Eustice joins an illustrious list of actors to play Lear; Orson Welles, Christopher Plummer, Ian McKellen, Derek Jacobi, and Glenda Jackson to name a few. Eustice’s Lear is bombastic, demanding and convincing in his decent into madness. His scene with the dead body of Cordelia is memorable.

Sharon Malujlo’s Kent holds the narrative together, especially when in disguise and provides comic relief to the more sombre sections of the play.

Robert Baulderstone’s Edgar is compelling to watch. His physicality is wonderful and his voice crystal clear. His ‘naked’ scene is a highlight of the play!

Sean Flierl’s Edmund is appropriately villain-like as he plots against his father and brother. His swordplay with Edgar is frighteningly realistic.

Geoff Revell as Fool steals every scene with carefully delivered wisdom and the occasional breaking of the fourth wall to include the audience. I loved his scene with Lear on the mezzanine level of the theatre.

As the three daughters, Georgia Stockham as Goneril, Rebecca Kemp as Regan and Rhoda Sylvester as Cordelia all deliver solid work, but there were some problems with diction and projection at times that resulted in some of the dialogue being lost when their backs were turned or voices raised.

Tracey Walker is a commanding Albany with one of the clearest Shakespearean deliveries I have heard.

Director Brant Eustice replaced Mick Young (who had to withdraw due to illness) as Gloucester gives us a moving performance, particularly in act 2 when his eyes are gouged out.

Imogen Deller-Evans, Mike Leach, Harry Passehl, Tony Sampson, Tom Tassone, and Lizzie Zeuner complete the cast playing multiple roles.

Being a long play (even with cuts), it might have been advisable to start this production at 7pm.

King Lear is one of the Bard’s greatest works and the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild’s production is well thought out and delivers some fine performances. I think the Bard would approve of the new setting!

Barry Hill OAM

For Tickets:-
https://www.adelaide.edu.au/theatreguild/

Ticket Information
$25 Full Price
$20 Concession / Tertiary Student

Performance Dates
Friday 16 August at 7:30pm
Saturday 17 August at 7:30pm
Sunday 18 August at 4pm
Wednesday 21 August at 7:30pm
Thursday 22 August at 7:30pm
Friday 23 August at 7:30pm
Saturday 24 August at 7:30pm
Sunday 25 August at 4pm

Venue
Little Theatre
The Cloisters, Victoria Drive, University of Adelaide
Please allow extra time for parking, especially when there is an event at Adelaide Oval.

Duration
2.5 hours plus interval

This review also appears on It’s On The House. Check out more reviews at Whats The Show to see what else is on in your town.

Spread the word on your favourite platform!