Fri 28 Oct 2005
I just attended a performance of King Lear at the Half Moon Theatre here in Cork.
It was amazing!!
The members of the local Janus Theatre Company truly brought this
Shakespearean tragedy to vigorous life in all its joys and sorrows.
The costumes were simple yet detailed enough that each character could be distinct(several of the actors played different characters simultaneously).
The acting was splendid!
John O’Flynn admirably, humorously, and poignantly led the cast as the crazed King Lear. And Stephen Wyley gave a stirring and terrifying performance as the betrayed Duke of Gloucester whose eyes are put out by the King’s daughters and persecuters.
The other members of the cast were extemely versatile, at times needing to act like the
King’s enemies; at others, his protectors; become or make simulations of stormy weather or dramatic battles. Their stamina, if nothing else, is praiseworthy, since the play in its
entirety is an exhausting two and a half hours! It was emotionally-draining enough just
to be in the audience!
I went not knowing what to expect, but this was Theatre at its finest!
Oh dear, I feel like I’m on Amazon.com – “See all my reviews, etc.” 
Guess that wraps things up for this post.
Hope all are having a grand semester!
Slán go fhoil!
~ Julie
