Show Finder
King Lear
Opening Date: Jan 23, 2026
Closing Date: Feb 8, 2026
Running Time: 02:00
Playing @
La MaMa - Ellen Stewart Theatre
66 East 4th Street, New York City, NY 10003-8903
Compagnia de’ Colombari’s KING LEAR is a primal, physical, and potent “paper crown” Lear that strips the Shakespearean classic to its essence. Karin Coonrod utilizes her signature “multiplicity” to shift and deepen audiences’ connection with the characters. Ten diverse actors, ranging in age and gender, embody King Lear at the beginning and conduct a radical takeover of the text and space. Their unity fragments as they tear off their paper crowns and transform into other roles, competing for influence and diminishing the legion of Lears. Through a vigorous exploration of the characters’ egos, motivations, and power dynamics, the actors delve deeply into the internal and external journey of a stubborn, fractured soul who must lose everything to find himself. Transformation takes place in the apocalypse. Coonrod’s immersive production commands us to, as Kent demands of King Lear, “See better.” The play, explored in five “movements,” is adapted and directed by Karin Coonrod with long-time Colombari collaborators Frank London (original music) and Oana Botez (costumes), a talented team of designers, and a diverse cast of ten actors playing King Lear and other characters.
Show Notes: No intermission
Cast
- Michael Potts
- Tom Nelis
- Tony Torn
- Abigail Killeen
- Jo Mei
- Celeste Sena
- Paul Pryce
Written By
- William Shakespeare
Director
- Karin Coonrod
TDF Tickets Offers:
TDF Member tickets:
Not currently available for this show
Listed at 
Never
Full-price tickets:
$45.00 - $45.00
Accessibility
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Elevator\Escalator
Elevator access to the box office on the mezzanine and the theater on the 2nd floor. -
Restroom
Accessible bathrooms are available on the 2nd floor and 3rd floor. -
Seating
Capacity: 299 -
Telephone
None on premises -
Wheelchair Info
A wheelchair accessible entry door on E 4th Street Talk to a house manager at the performance for accessible seating.
