Readings of King Lear

"King Lear" by William Shakespeare is a play that can be read in about as many ways as there are stars in the sky. The list of possible readings is endless, they range from a gendered reading, a political reading, even a moralistic reading. With each new stage production of the play, everyone from the average blue-collar worker, to a Shakespeare enthusiast has the opportunity to interpret the play in his or her own way. …

…matter ranging from the wars in Bosnia to the political unrest in the former USSR to the family struggles in 16th century England. From the light hearted satirical versions to the more serious political adaptations, King Lear is a play that can be understood and enjoyed my almost everyone. It is that variety of audiences that produce the multitude of readings and interpretations that make the play one which will stand the test of time.