King Lear

by William Shakespeare

Colorado Shakespeare Festival

The dismantling of Lear's sanity and the world around him is gradual and unrelenting throughout the play. In order to depict the King's once glorious empire disintegrate before our very eyes, set designer Victoria Petrovich provides for us a classical Greek set that breaks apart as the play progresses. Slowly, pieces of pediments, friezes and columns are removed to reveal a physically and morally barren world.

The costumes for this production were designed to also reflect this theme of disintegration. The regally dressed Lear becomes soiled and tattered as he loses his mind. Edgar, who loses his favored position as the legitimate son, discards his noble attire and is reduced to pure nakedness. The silhouette for the costumes is noticeably neo-classical and is very much inspired by Rembrandt's paintings. T-shaped tunics and hand-pleated gowns reflect a timeless quality, while jeweled tones help underline the somber yet passionate qualities of the play.