“King Lear” – Shakespeare’s Game of Thrones

If you’re looking for political intrigue, dynastic feuding, disguises, storms, bloodshed, and wresting for power, you could tune into HBO’s series “Game of Thrones” or you could see the original source live – Shakespeare’s “King Lear.”

“King Lear” has cropped up frequently in the news as of late and recent major productions of the play have been produced in New York and London (even children in Syria are doing the play). We gathered a few fun resources to help you navigate the play and enrich your experience.

 

King Lear Power Chart

Need to figure out who is in and who is out in “King Lear?” BAM has charted out who has power and who doesn’t throughout the play

 

 

Behind Barbed Wire, Shakespeare Inspires a Cast of Young Syrians

This moving story recently published in the “New York Times” tells how a group of young Syrians approached the tragedy of “King Lear” – their first exposure to Shakespeare – despite being in a refugee camp.

 

Advice to the King

The Guardian talked to five actors who shared their experience and advice on playing King Lear and wearing the crown.

 

Three Panel “King Lear”

Not to be reductionist, but this comic strip is a lot of fun. We just hope the artist gets to work finishing the entire play.