Evelyn Krape to play King Lear in a daring new interpretation of Shakespeare’s iconic play

After dazzling audiences across Melbourne for more than 30 years Evelyn Krape (Ginger, A Toast to Melba) takes on her most challenging role yet as the formidable King Lear in Melbourne Shakespeare Company’s new production directed by emerging prodigy Ayesha Gibson (Romeo and Juliet) at fortyfivedownstairs this May.

King Lear sees two ageing fathers – one King, one courtier – misjudge the loyalty of their children, catapulting them both into a violent power struggle that forces them to realise their false values and confront their own humanity.

“It’s an incredible fusion of old meets new,” says artistic director Jennifer Sarah Dean (The Globe – London). “Evelyn brings so much wisdom, power and experience to the role which amalgamates perfectly with Ayesha’s fresh contemporary vision for the piece. The combination is electric!”

King Lear is a tender, violent, and intimate exploration of old age portrayed in all its vulnerability, pride, folly and wisdom. The multiple Green Room award winning actor will take on one of the greatest roles in literature for a limited run of just 10 performances.

Krape will be supported by a formidable ensemble including Kevin Hopkins (Twelfth Night) as Kent, Don Bridges (As You Like It) as Fool, Augustin Tchantcho (The Book of Morman, Othello) as Albany and Anthea Davies (A Room of One’s Own) as Gloucester.

Audience favourite Matthew Connell (Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet) will return for his third season with the company as the bastard son Edmund, and introducing Isabella Ferrer as Cordelia.

Sound design from Ben Keene (The Rapture) transports us to the dystopian world within this play is set and the business inspired costume design from Aislinn Naughton (Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) perfectly captures the corporate world where warring siblings fight for power in an desperate race to the bottom.

Melbourne Shakespeare Company is conscious of its environmental impact and is proud to use fully reclaimed, reused, and recycled costumes and sets in all their productions.

Director: Ayesha Gibson Featuring: Evelyn Krape, Augustin Tchantcho, Isabella Ferrer, Johnathan Peck, Kayla Hamill, Matthew Connell, John Reed, Don Bridges, Anthea Davies, Claire Nicholls, Kevin Hopkins, Andrew Dang, Annabelle Tudor Sound Design: Ben Keene Lighting Design: Alex Blackwell Choreographer / Fight Director: John Reed Costume Designer: Aislinn Naughton Set Designer: Hayley James Stage Manager: Teri Steer Producers: Jennifer Sarah Dean, Michael Mack