He’s McKellen it!

Theater legend tackles ‘Lear’

A live recorded performance of Shakespeare’s renowned tragedy “King Lear” will hit the silver screen at the Newport Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, Aug. 28.

Considered by many to be the greatest tragedy ever written, the play tells the tale of two aging fathers — one a king, one his courtier — who reject their loving children, unleashing a tornado of pitiless ambition and treachery. Family and state are plunged into a violent power struggle with bitter ends.

Ian McKellen is breathtaking as the ill-fated king in Shakespeare’s tender, violent, moving and shocking play, directed by Johnathan Munby.

"When a performance is as voraciously anticipated as Ian McKellen’s portrayal of King Lear there is an inevitable risk that reality must defeat expectation," said Gary Shipton of INews UK. "After all, Lear is the ultimate professional mountain to climb for any actor and McKellen conquered it a decade ago. But McKellen does not disappoint."

“King Lear” contains special effects, including strobe lights and flashing images.

The play will be screened at 7 pm in ultra-HD at the Newport Performing Arts Center, 777 W Olive Street. Tickets for the event range from $16 to $22. For more information go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.