In the Belvoir Street theatre, visionary director Eamon Flack and his crew of energizing, young actors and actresses have been working away for months on what will be one of the most exciting events of the whole year. King Lear, one of the most iconic Shakespearean plays of all time, is being played from November 15th until January 4th in the Upstairs Theatre of the Belvoir and it will be unforgettable.

Shakespeare’s greatest play, in an energised, classic Belvoir production, featuring the grit and power of Colin Friels and an array of young and established actors including the likes of Ahunim Abebe, Peter Carroll, James Fraser and Raj Labade plus many more which all deserve recognition.

It’s time to retire. Lear has a plan – he’ll divide the kingdom between his three daughters, they’ll work in harmony with each other, he’ll live with them, there will be a seamless transition of power, and all will be well.

The universe doesn’t work that way.

A play of what happens when the trappings of privilege, education, and civilisation are stripped away, and we have to look the human specimen square in the mirror.

Colin’s been building to this role for years, and in an age when sclerotic old orders threaten to take the world down with them, it’s time Belvoir had a go at this astonishing play. Every page explodes with possibility. We’ve used a version of one of its original titles, which gives you a sense of the play’s real scope of interest. Colin will be a fascinating and potent Lear – this will be unforgettable. – Eamon

Come on out on opening night to the Belvoir St. Theatre to experience this once-in-a-lifetime show.

Below, Eamon Flack discusses more of the play: