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The first of four parts of this documentary.

The second of four parts of this documentary.

The third of four parts of this documentary.

The fourth of four parts of this documentary.

The credits from this programme.

In the Shadow of King Lear

Television (Full Length) – 1996

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This documentary shows two directors and a cast of actors working to breathe new life into Shakespeare. Veteran Ian Mune prepares to tackle one of the most difficult leading roles in classical theatre: King Lear. "If you're gonna climb hills, why not Everest?" he says. The unorthodox, bring it alive approach of Theatre At Large directors Anna Marbrook and Christian Penny (future director of Toi Whakaari) seems to err on the side of playfulness. But viewers are shown there is a method to their madness, when scenes from Shakespeare's drama are presented in beautifully-lit tableaus.

To make each moment alive each night for each audience takes always a new sort of life in the actor and the actors together. So, that's part of the training that will go on in rehearsal to encourage the actors always to look anew at every moment.
– Co-director Christian Penny