Playing Lear

by Oliver Ford Davies

The book is both an in-depth analysis of the play, in which Davies looks at the many possible interpretations of both play and character, and a rehearsal diary in which we see the author’s personal journey through the role, from when he played Lear for the Almeida Theatre in 2002.

Genres: Shakespeare

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2003

Reviews

[Bobsie67 · Rating 5 out of 5]

About halfway through this book and it is amazing. Davies's discussion of King Lear in chapters 2 and 3 may have some of the best insights into the play that I've read. At least as good as AC Bradley and less pompous/pedantic and Bloom. Terrific discussion as well on being a Shakespearean actor--how to breath, how to read the lines, how to "act" the parts. Just a wonderful read.