Be here for ‘Lear’

Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, William Shakespeare’s “King Lear” portrays two aging fathers — one a king, one his courtier — as they reject the children who truly love them. Their blindness unleashes a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery, as family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.Enjoy the National Theatre Live production of “King Lear” on the big screen at the Newport Performing Arts Center this Friday, Aug 26.According to the Daily Telegraph, “Ian McKellen reigns supreme in this triumphant production.”Jonathan Munby directs the contemporary retelling of Shakespeare’s tender, violent, moving and shocking play with a performance the Times called “nuanced and powerful.”The screening begins at 7 pm. Tickets are $20 for adults or $19 for seniors and students. The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W. Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.