King Lear

by William Shakespeare

directed by Joseph Haj

Wurtele Thrust Stage

Back by popular demand

Shakespeare’s epic tragedy

For the first time in more than 20 years the Guthrie will stage Shakespeare’s searing masterpiece. After years of ruling Britain in peace, a respected King Lear decides to relinquish his crown and divide his kingdom among his three daughters. But when their love and loyalty falter, so does Lear’s sanity. King Lear is a gripping portrait of fathers, daughters and a once-mighty ruler thwarted by his own hubris and betrayed by a vanishing mind.

King Lear showcases the Twin Cities’ greatest talent, including Guthrie Theater veterans Nathaniel Fuller and Stephen Yoakam alternating performances in the title role.

Video

Watch the trailer

For the first time in more than 20 years the Guthrie will stage Shakespeare’s searing masterpiece. 

Watch the review reel

The reviews are in and critics adore King Lear. Hear the buzz. 

Photos

The cast of King Lear. Photo by T Charles Erickson.

Stephen Yoakam (King Lear) and the cast of King Lear. Photo by T Charles Erickson. 

Stephen Yoakam (King Lear) and James A. Williams (Gloucester). Photo by T Charles Erickson.

Nathaniel Fuller (King Lear) and the cast of King Lear. Photo by T Charles Erickson.

Nathaniel Fuller (King Lear) and James A. Williams (Gloucester). Photo by T Charles Erickson.

In the news

Feature story

'Two kings, one role: Stephen Yoakam and Nathaniel Fuller double up as 'Lear' at Guthrie'

Read the Star Tribune feature on the actors playing King Lear.

Review

'Two out-of-touch rulers lead this excellent 'King Lear' at the Guthrie'

Read the City Pages review.

Artists

Cast

Nathan Barlow

Edgar

Thomas Brazzle

Edmund

Shá Cage

France/Messenger

Sun Mee Chomet

Regan

J. C. Cutler

Kent

Nathaniel Fuller

King Lear/Old Man

Charity Jones

First Knight/Gentlewoman/Officer

Nathan Keepers

Burgundy/First Servant

Kris L. Nelson

Oswald/Attendant

Kate Nowlin

Goneril

Howard W. Overshown

Cornwall

Jason Rojas

Edgar

Armin Shimerman

Fool/Messenger/Herald

David Whalen

Albany

James A. Williams

Gloucester

Kim Wong

Cordelia

Stephen Yoakam

King Lear/Old Man

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Creative

Placeholder for William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Playwright

Joseph Haj

Director

Placeholder for Marion Williams

Marion Williams

Scenic Designer

Jennifer Moeller

Costume Designer

Jennifer Tipton

Lighting Designer

Darron L West

Sound Designer

Victor Zupanc

Composer

Carla Steen

Dramaturg

Jill Walmsley Zager

Vocal Coach

Casey Kaleba

Fight Director

Tree O'Halloran

Stage Manager

Jason Clusman

Assistant Stage Manager

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Know more

Play guide

Want to dig deeper into this story? Download the play guide. 

Education programs sponsored by

The Guthrie Theater's production of King Lear is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.

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