February 13, 2025 – April 19, 2025

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Shakespeare's King Lear production, Spring 2025 at the American Shakespeare Center. Close-up of a crown being placed on a character’s head, with ornate rings visible on hands positioning the crown. Dramatic dark background with title text: 'King Lear by William Shakespeare.

“Which of you shall we say doth love us most?”
— King Lear, Act 1, Scene 1

 

Prepare to be swept into one of Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedies, where family and power collide in a tale of betrayal, madness, and redemption.

As the aging King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, he sets off a chain of events that spirals into chaos.

What begins as a quest to secure his legacy turns into a tragic exploration of loyalty, love, and the consequences of blind ambition.

With visceral emotions and unforgettable characters, King Lear lays bare the complex ties that bind family members together—and tear them apart.

Witness Lear’s heartbreaking descent and the fateful decisions that echo across generations.

This timeless masterpiece will resonate deeply with anyone who has ever experienced the fragile balance of love and power within a family.
 

 

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Content Considerations for King Lear

Shakespeare’s King Lear is a masterful exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the resilience of the human spirit. This timeless story, though celebrated for its emotional depth and dramatic power, includes mature themes that may be intense for younger audiences. While this production is recommended for ages 7 and up, parents may want to consider the following elements before attending:

  • Complex Family Dynamics: The play delves into challenging relationships between parents and children, touching on themes of betrayal, loyalty, and reconciliation.
  • Dramatic Depictions of Violence: Some scenes include physical confrontations and injuries, portrayed to emphasize the stakes and emotional tension of the story.
  • Emotional Struggles and Madness: The characters experience profound grief, despair, and moments of mental distress, which are handled with sensitivity but may feel intense.
  • Themes of Loss and Mortality: References to and depictions of loss, including death, are woven throughout the narrative.
  • Social Inequalities: The play reflects on societal hierarchies, discrimination, and inequities that may prompt deeper conversations.
  • Scenes of War and Its Consequences: Moments depicting the aftermath of conflict and its emotional toll are present.

King Lear invites audiences to reflect on the complexities of the human experience, offering moments of heartbreak and redemption. We encourage parents to consider their child’s comfort with these elements and use discretion when deciding to attend.