By Emily Smith
Filled with suspense, sword fighting and a classic power struggle, “King Lear,” is a timeless example of Shakespearean tragedy.
BYU”s Young Company Shakespeare Troupe will perform “King Lear” 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Oct. 5., with a matinee at 2 p.m. Saturday.
Performances will be in the Nelke Theatre in the Harris Fine Arts Center.
A father on his deathbed must decide whom to leave his fortune to. When his youngest, and most beloved daughter rebukes his request to say how much she loves him, he is left disheartened and insane. The other two daughters undermine his authority and run the kingdom into disarray.
Full of trickery, love and deceit, “King Lear” illustrates the imperfections of men and the internal strife within each person to gain power.
This special, one-hour adaptation designed for children, will be the 10th play in eight years for the company.
The Young Company seeks to introduce children to the world of Shakespeare at an early age in an exciting and interesting way by taking their production of “King Lear” to various local elementary schools throughout the year, according to a news release.
“They [the children] all start whispering when someone dies and then they get quiet again,” said Julie Saunders, a 21-year-old acting major from McMinnville, Ore. “Some of the schools like to be really involved. Some of the kids will be talking to us during the show.”
“King Lear” will be Young Company”s second tragedy to be performed. The first was a production of “Hamlet” in 2005.
For tickets and more information call 422-7664, or visit performances.byu.edu.
