Cordelia/Fool
Written by Frank Bramwell
ABOUT THE PLAY
This powerful one-man play is a thought-provoking reworking of the original text to provide a unique insight into the mind of the disturbed King Lear himself.
Traditionally it is thought that the two roles of Cordelia and Fool could have been played by one actor, and this is the contention behind the play. However, more importantly, is the psychological connection between the characters of Lear, Cordelia and Fool – are they, within the context of Shakespeare’s voyage of discovery, all manifestations arising out of the same psychic disturbance?
The play also explores the technique and craft of being an actor, with much of the action taking place within the Tiring House, as well as on the stage where King Lear the play is being performed.
It examines King Lear through the actor stepping into two of its most compelling roles, Cordelia and Fool. Are the roles of Cordelia and Fool two sides of the same kind - the presence of Cordelia never really goes away, instead does Shakespeare reinvent her as Fool, to get Lear to finally understand the folly of his ways?
Winner of the Birmingham Fest "Best Adaptation" Award for 2018
Premiered in Bristol Shakespeare Festival, Buxton Festival Fringe and Birmingham Fest in 2018
Cast and creative team
Cast
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Cordelia/Fool: Alex Nikitas
Creative team:
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Director: Frank Bramwell
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Producer: Frank Bramwell
Production photos
Reviews
"The production is stylishly interesting with sound and other effects which fit in unobtrusively and Alex Nikitas is faultless in all three roles.”
Birmingham Fest
“A rich mix of all the components i.e. script/acting, set, sound/music, costume, props, lighting.”
Birmingham Fest
“A very well ‘engineered’ approach to incorporating a critique of King Lear. Very intelligently conceived, very naturally and professionally delivered.”
Birmingham Fest
“Excellent performance from Alex Nikitas.”
Birmingham Fest
“I am not normally a great fan of plays about actors, acting, and putting on plays, but I thought this play dealt with the subject really well.”
Birmingham Fest
“I did find it interesting being encouraged to think about the links between the two Shakespeare characters”
Birmingham Fest