photo: Creatista/Scott Griessel
How do you really make an impression on a great theatre town like Tucson? Maybe it’s by breaking new ground, while presenting a classic that has been collaboratively re-envisioned to reflect the current world. Beowulf Alley’s presentation of the Shakespeare tale “King Lear” is doing all this and more during its run, through November 19.
Brought to the stage by veteran playwright and director Michael Fenlason, the traditional four and a half-hour production of “Lear” has been altered to fit a two and a half-hour window. While retaining the original language by Shakespeare, the play has been updated to modern times via setting and costuming.
Where we once had a historic tale of royal deception, betrayal and familial conflict, we now have a tale with a protagonist who is a modern ”king” of industry, a businessman, as the lead. Wrestling with homelessness as opposed to a storm, this “Lear” gives audiences elements of contemporary life to relate to.
Will these changes make the play more audience friendly, while still retaining the language of the period? Will it work in a way that some modern film adaptations of Shakespeare’s classics have, or not? That is the question.
Fenlason, the 2011 Arizona Playwriting Award winner, says this production resonates deeply given our current world condition. He says this version, while somewhat unique, is a true collaboration with cast members. While he had a specific vision for many aspects of the production, he has been thrilled with the cast and their contributions to the final product. Fenlason is excited about other details of the production including the use of the “whole theatre” for entrances and exits and the “stripped down” nature of the production. In fact, this production of “Lear” marks a milestone of sorts for Beowulf Alley, it’s the first time that the theatre company presents a classic play on its stage.
Fenlason assures us that the play still has its “heart intact,” and hopes to possibly see this version continue on if audiences are enjoying it as much as he and his cast are.
“One of the best things about this experience is getting to sit and listen to ‘Lear’ for six weeks straight in rehearsal,” Fenlason enthuses.
“Lear” continues its production through November 19 at Beowulf Alley Theatre Company, 11 S. 6th Ave. Visit BeowulfAlley.org for specific show times and ticket prices.
