Please note: advance tickets to performances are only available until 24 hours before each show, or Friday 5/4 in the case of 5/6 performances. Tickets must then be purchased at the door. All tickets purchased 5/1 and later will be held at Will Call for pickup.
What if the great and tragic story of King Lear were told by the King’s closest companion—his own fool? This is Nearly Lear. Seen through the eyes of Lear’s devoted clown, Norris (who, in good Shakespearean tradition, is actually Noreen disguised as a boy), the story is not only poignant and tragic, but also gentle, mischievous, and funny. Told entirely by one actor, Nearly Lear upends expectations of what a Shakespeare play should be and uses exuberant storytelling, music, and film to take its audience into the heart of this great tale.
Nearly Lear was adapted from the Shakespeare text by Susanna Hamnett and Edith Tankus. It was developed in association with Kneehigh Theatre, England.
These performances are recommended for ages 12 and up. Running time is 70 minutes.
Read CHF Director of Programming Mary Kate Barley-Jenkins's blog about this program.
These performances are presented in partnership with the Theatre & Interpretation Center, Northwestern University.
