King Lear

King Lear divides his kingdom between his three daughters, depending on how they praise him. While Goneril and Regan flatter Lear, the youngest and most loyal, Cordelia, refuses and is banished. Lear gradually realises his foolishness and goes mad. This historic 1974 live recording at the New York Shakespeare Festival, captures a towering performance from the formidable James Earl Jones.

Cast and creatives
CAST

(In Speaking Order)
Kent – Douglass Watson
Gloucester – Paul Sorvino
Edmund – Raul Julia
King Lear – James Earl Jones
Goneril – Rosalind Cash
Cordelia – Lee Chamberlin
Regan – Ellen Holly
Albany – Robert Stattel
Cornwall – Robert Lanchester
Burgundy – Louis Quinones
France – Jean-Pierre Stewart
Edgar – Rene Auberjonois
Oswald – Frederick Coffin
Fool – Tom Aldredge
Gentleman – George Dzundza

PRODUCTION

New York Shakespeare Festival
Produced by – Joseph Papp
Directed by – Edwin Sherin

Produced for Television – Virginia Kassel
Executive Producer – Jac Venza
Associate Producer – Victoria Hochberg
Associate Directors – Bob Hankal & Jon Merdin
Setting by – Santo Loquasto
Costumes by – Theoni V. Aldredge
Music by – Charles Gross

FOR HERITAGE THEATRE

Producer: ROBERT MARSHALL
Video Director: ROBIN LOUGH

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