Stage Door News
Stage Door News
Toronto, ON (Feb. 12, 2013) – Canadian director Philip McKee strips text and scenography to the essential in his adaptation LEAR, making its world premiere March 5-10, 2013 at World Stage. Co-produced by Harbourfront Centre and starring Canadian theatre legend Clare Coulter in the title role, LEAR re-imagines Shakespeare’s masterpiece to examine change and challenge in a modern context.
Focussing on the moment when power and authority is handed over across generations, Coulter’s Lear is the monarch who must divide the questionable legacy of her work, her story, and theatre itself among her fellow performers. Emphasizing the immediacy of live theatre, LEAR confronts decline, uncertainty and the struggle to allow things to change as time passes.
Philip McKee comments: “By adapting King Lear we have had to contend with one of the theatre’s great legacies, and in doing so examine contemporary performance through the lens of its past. Managing this relationship between old and new offers a way to move into the future, in the theatre and elsewhere.”
LEAR originally appeared as part of Harbourfront Centre’s HATCH performing arts residency programme in 2011. HATCH is committed to supporting the work of developing artists in a process- focused collaboration. LEAR was further developed with the help of the World Stage artistic director and the performing arts team. World Stage is proud to feature it in the 2013 season. For more information about HATCH, visit harbourfrontcentre.com/hatch
Philip McKee is a critically acclaimed performance maker and director rising fast in the Canadian theatre scene. With LEAR, he has brought together a collective of exceptional artists, including Rose Plotek, Kate Whitehead, Cara Spooner, Kai Hue-Chen, Lindsey Clark, Liz Peterson, and Amy Nostbakken to spur the creative process and take individual talents to new heights.
Extras:
LEAR – Opening Night Reception
Tuesday, March 5, 2013
World Stage goes deeper to deliver a more in-depth performance experience. We invite you to join the World Stage team for food, drinks and discussion at our opening night reception. Admission is free with the purchase of your ticket.
LEAR – talkshow
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
World Stage is committed to providing live performance of unparalleled quality. Part of that commitment includes exclusive opportunities to engage with the artists and performers involved with the work. Please stay around after the performance for an informative and engaging talkshow. Admission is free with the purchase of your ticket.
Dates / Times / Location
Duration: 80 minutes
Studio Theatre – York Quay Centre Main Floor, North End
Tue, March 5 at 8 p.m.
Wed, March 6 at 8 p.m.
Thu, March 7 at 8 p.m.
Fri, March 8 at 8 p.m.
Sat, March 9 at 4 p.m.
Sat, March 9 at 8 p.m.
Sun, March 10 at 4 p.m.
Sun, March 10 at 8 p.m.
Tickets: World Stage tickets are on sale now! Regular ticket packages (three or more productions) offer discounts and exclusive partner offers, discounted parking and more and Single tickets are available anytime via our box office by calling 416-973-4000, Tuesday to Saturday, 1-6pm, or online at harbourfrontcentre.com/worldstage/tickets.
Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage 2013 gratefully acknowledges the support of the Department of Canadian Heritage, Canada Council for the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Arts Council and Westin Harbour Castle, the official host hotel of World Stage
ABOUT HARBOURFRONT CENTRE
Harbourfront Centre is a Canadian charity operating the 10 prime acres of Toronto's central waterfront as a free and open public site. We celebrate the multiplicities of cultures that comprise Canada and enliven the city through the creative imaginations of artists from across the country and around the globe. Harbourfront Centre attracts more than 17 million visits to its site each year to experience 4,000 diverse public events and activities. Harbourfront Centre receives operational support from the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto and program funding from all levels of government, the private sector and individual donors.
ABOUT WORLD STAGE
LEAR is one of 11 groundbreaking international contemporary performance works in the World Stage 2013 season. This year we welcome artists and productions from Canada, Germany, Côte d’Ivoire, Brazil, Australia, China, Norway, Belgium, Portugal and the Netherlands.
For more information about getting here during the Queens Quay Revitalization visit harbourfrontcentre.com/gettinghere
For more information and unparalleled access to interviews, videos and commentary on the World Stage 2013 season visit harbourfrontcentre.com/worldstage
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Photo: Clare Coulter. ©2013 Guntar Kravis.
2013-02-12
Toronto: Philip McKee’s “LEAR” starring Clare Coulter has its world premiere at Harbourfront March 5