Adaptation of ‘King Lear’

A free adaptation of the play ‘King Lear’ directed by Mohammad Aqebati will go on stage at Iranshahr Theater in Tehran on February 12.

The famous tragedy by the English playwright William Shakespeare depicts the gradual descent into madness of the title character, after he disposes of his kingdom bequeathing it to two of his three daughters based on their flattery of him, and bringing tragic consequences for all. 

It has been widely adapted for the stage and motion pictures and is particularly noted for its probing observations of the nature of human suffering and kinship.

However, in the Iranian adaptation by Kayvan Sarreshteh, the director has used the part about the king’s relation with his daughters and expanded and developed it to address the issue of adolescents especially in regard with their parents, Mehr News Agency reported.

“We have considered the idea of conflict in the play,” Aqebati said. “Another theme of the show is on being honest and the ability to say ‘no’, for which sometimes one has to pay a price.” 

Hassan Majooni, Leili Rashidi, Katayoun Talaei, Paniz Barzali and Hossein Hosseinian are the cast. The play will be staged until March 13 at the theater located in Art Garden, N. Mousavi St., Taleqani St.