Open Stage: Not King Lear

Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival 2024 presents Shakespeare’s classic tale of family strife, devised and performed by members of the Hobson Street Theatre Company.

Blending contemporary testimony with original text, Not King Lear is the latest play in development from this award-winning arts project created in partnership with the Auckland City Mission. It’s a playful yet serious retelling of the story of an old man in conflict with his children, who gives away his authority and falls into homelessness and mental ill-health.

Told through the lived experience of those who know something about homelessness, Not King Lear is guest directed by Adrian Jackson MBE, renowned for his work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and Cardboard Citizens, the company of homeless and ex-homeless actors he founded in London in 1992.

DURATION
1hr approx, no interval

Artist Talk
Ticketholders attending the show on Saturday 9 March, 7.30pm will be able to attend a post-show talk with Adrian Jackson, HSTC’s Bronwyn Bent and full cast: at 8.30pm

Recommended for ages 16+