King Lear plays at the Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City

WILLIAM Shakespeare tragedy King Lear plays at the Barn Theatre in Welwyn Garden City later this month.

King Lear at the Barn Theatre

LOVE, duty, power, loss, good and evil are all called into question as one man descends into madness.

It can only be William Shakespeare tragedy King Lear.

Directed by Simon Wallace, the Bard’s classic has been reinvented for the WGC stage, with the action now taking place in 1920s New York, with the Mafia prominent.

The play will be performed at the Barn Theatre, in Handside Lane, from Friday, February 17 to Saturday, February 25.

There are also three, free-of-charge pre- and post-show talks during the play’s week-long run.

On Wednesday, February 23, at 7.30pm in the clubroom, director Simon Wallace will explain why he’s transposed the story to America.

Dr Cindy Lawford looks at either how Shakespeare altered his sources or why Cordelia has to die, before the performance on Thursday, February 23.

Following the Friday, February 24 performance, cast members will stay on stage to answer audience questions.

Tickets cost £10 (and £7 for members on the first night) and performances start at 8pm, with a 2.30pm matinee on the second Saturday.

School groups pay only £5 per seat for bookings of 10 or more.

Teachers interested should contact education coordinators Cindy Lawford and Elliot Brown to find out about available workshops and talks on the play.

Call 01707 324300 Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm for tickets, or book online at www.barntheatre.co.uk

You can also by tickets in person from the Barn Theatre box office on all performance nights from 7pm to 9.30pm.