Susanna Hamnett
In this dynamic one-woman tour-de-force, Susanna Hamnett plays the Fool (and every other character) to tell a very personal and poignant story that - with breathtaking hilarity and heartache - honors the beautiful language of Shakespeare’s King Lear while taking a bit of poetic license. An exuberant blend of tragedy and humor, Nearly Lear has toured internationally to critical and audience acclaim. It has run on Broadway at the New Victory Theater, the Kennedy Center in Washington DC and the Sydney Opera House, Australia and received the 2012 International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) Victor Award for Outstanding Production. Upending expectations of what a Shakespeare play should be, Susanna Hamnett uses lively storytelling, music and film, as well as Shakespeare’s rich poetic text to take her audience firmly into the heart of this great story.
“A virtuosic performer with a touch of the endearing goofball”
- Charles Isherwood, The New York Times
“A wonderful take on King Lear. You immediately gravitate toward her very commanding presence and ability to instantly change the mood of the dialogue. Love the juxtaposition of humor with the tragedy and structure of Shakespeare’s King Lear.”
- ArtStarts Showcase, Vancouver
Recommended grades: 6-12
Length: 80 minutes
