Going to see the Chicago Goodman Theaters production front row and I am excited. Anything that you have liked about this play or things I should watch for?
2006-09-19 13:45:50 · 8 answers · asked by Skepticalist 5 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Theater & Acting
I know the story already on a basic level and I am trying to comprehend the deeper meanings, so don't be afraid to "spoil" it for me. Feel free to comment on any part of the play.
2006-09-19 13:53:21 · update #1
It would be nice if you could read the play before watching it. to me its magical to watch a performance after reading the original text. The words come alive in the flesh through the actors.
2006-09-19 13:55:41 · answer #1 · answered by Dulcinea 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The first time I saw King Lear, I had never read it, and didn't know the story. It was amazing.
The only thing that might prevent you from enjoying it would be the language. If you haven't read any Shakespeare lately, you should. But don't read King Lear. Read something else, even something you've read before. Read some sonnets out loud (as long as nobody is in earshot) and try to get a feeling for the language. That will get your ear tuned to Shakespearean English.
The rest is really simple. Don't think that you need to do homework or anything. Just act like you're going to a movie...a very long movie where people talk funny. There aren't any hidden messages in the play that need to be deciphered or "deeper meanings" to be uncovered. Just sit back and let yourself be entertained.
2006-09-19 21:13:32 · answer #2 · answered by breauxbridge 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like most classical tragedies it's about a dysfunctional family complete with hypocrisy, misinterpretation, hubris (Lear's middle name.) A plot outline would be helpful. The Goodman has a good rep as an acting company so it should be a good show, but it couldn't hurt to know the territory a bit before diving in. Dulcinea has a good idea. Check it out and then relax and enjoy the actors bringing it to life. If they have a top notch Lear and team of daughters it should be interesting and convincing. Lear pays for his pride, it does goeth before a fall.
2006-09-19 21:13:29 · answer #3 · answered by Grody Jicama 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
By the time you read this, you may have seen it, but if you haven't I hope my answer might help.
Lear is one of the saddest of Shakespeare's plays. A king, ill-treated by daughters and blinded, Lear manages to 'see' things with his heart. Anything else and I might spoil it for you--just be ready for a very serious play, but one of the Bard's finest, I think.
2006-09-19 21:18:53 · answer #4 · answered by tiko 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't think there is any need to prepare. If you know the basic story then let the acting take you where you need to go.
I have seen several productions of "Lear" and one of my favorite moments is after the old King has been through the horrors of his daughter's ingratitude and the terrors of the storm on the heath, he is brought out to finally rest and die when he realizes the death of his fool; "And my poor fool is drown'd!" Wonderful writing!
Enjoy yourself.
D
2006-09-19 21:16:34 · answer #5 · answered by Bugsy Groucho 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd just try to not think about it too much. If you have to persuade yourself that you enjoyed it, then you didn't really enjoy it. Go with an open mind - it's really okay to not like a production of Shakespeare. He's not church. The lower your expectations, the more you'll probably like it.
2006-09-19 20:49:44 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It was so long ago I saw it, in Stratford, Ontario, that I can't remember the specifics. But I just found this page with some good info, especially for students or adults seeing it the first time:
http://www.pathguy.com/kinglear.htm
2006-09-19 20:51:29 · answer #7 · answered by poppet 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That would totally ruin the first experience if I tell you, just enjoy the whole play!!!!!!!!!
2006-09-19 20:49:21 · answer #8 · answered by Ali.D 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋