Lear, hear, here and (almost) now

"Cordelia's Farewell" by Edwin Austin Abbey, 1898.

The day of the reading of Shakespeare's King Lear that I have written about a few times in the past weeks is finally here. Tonight!

Hearing Lear has been happening since the first rehearsal. No, longer, actually, because I figured out that I understand the archaic words and the verse more easily if I hear it. I live alone; the only person here to read to me is me, but Me reads, Me listens, and then we chat over tea. 

At the rehearsals I am so inspired by the other actors - their intensity and good humor, their commitment to getting it right with very little rehearsal time.  They compare notes during the breaks, and tell stories about "the first time I did Shakespeare". If ever I say that, I will be talking about this week. How astounding to have this first real encounter with Shakespeare now as an adult, with enough of my life already lived that I can recognize us in what I am reading. Us, yet bigger, wilder, and more frighteningly beautiful than we usually know we are. Not pretty. Not sentimental. Not little. Huge.

The Project Rushmore Theatre Company's reading of King Lear will be starting tonight at 7 PM sharp
at The Ellington Room, Manhattan Plaza, 400 W. 43rd St. (in Manhattan's theater district). At the entrance, sign in for the Ellington Room, come to the 2nd floor and follow the sign.

Project Rushmore does not set a ticket price, but is happy to accept whatever donation you wish to contribute as you leave.

Whether you can be there or no, please light a candle or raise a glass right around 7 and wish me well.