Songs of Lear is a groundbreaking non-linear theatrical performance that has captivated audiences worldwide. It reimagines Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, exploring the energies, rhythms, and emotions that shape King Lear. Through a masterful blend of gesture, music, and spoken word, Songs of Lear creates an immersive experience that resonates with its audience.

This unique interpretation selects key moments from King Lear, transforming them into dramatic poems filled with emotional depth. Music plays a central role, embodying relationships and events while reflecting the intricate interplay of emotions. Each song integrates seamlessly into the narrative, building a powerful dramatic arc.

Director Grzegorz Bral describes the production as “an investigation of the color of sound,” inspired by Kandinsky’s principles of improvisation and structure. As Duska Radosavljevic notes in Exeunt Magazine, the performance fosters “a fine-tuning of energies between performers and the audience.” Similarly, Sam Friedman of Fest Magazine praised the show’s “remarkable vocal dexterity” and its ability to “invoke the rhythm of tragedy.”

The music, composed by Jean-Claude Acquaviva and Maciej Rychły, further enhances the performance. Acquaviva, a celebrated Corsican composer, draws from his heritage to blend Corsican polyphony with Balkan melodies. Rychły, a skilled composer and musician, brings his expertise in choral arrangements, enriching the soundscape with an evocative and haunting quality.

Songs of Lear has earned international acclaim, performing at prestigious venues and festivals, including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Sam Friedman from Fest Magazine hailed it as “majestic theatre that will reverberate inside you long after the last song.”

Experience the transformative power of Songs of Lear – a performance where Shakespeare’s timeless themes of power, love, and betrayal are reimagined through music and movement.