King Lear

July 28–September 1, 2023

Select Thursdays–Sundays at 7 PM
Sanborn Skyline County Park (Saratoga, CA)
Tickets: $25-$55

Ready to turn over his kingdom, King Lear places the fate of the realm in the hands of his three daughters. But first, they must prove their love through flattery. When formal exteriors and façades are stripped away, truth and the best and worst of human nature are revealed in King Lear’s journey. Filled with treachery, shocking revelations, and madness, Lear battles the physical storm and the storm of insanity within. SVS continues our tradition of highlighting under-represented genders with an all-female + non-binary cast to tell this epic tragedy.

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Cynthia Lagodzinski

Rated PG for Parental Guidance

SPECIAL NIGHTS

ASL-interpreted Performance
Sunday, August 13th

SYNOPSIS

King Lear decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters, asking each to proclaim how much they love him. Goneril and Regan flatter him, but Cordelia, the youngest, speaks the truth to him and in return is cruelly banished. King Lear then expects to stay in the comfort of his eldest daughters’ homes, but they reject him and spurn him, and their lack of love and care causes him to go mad and wander the heaths of England with no shelter in a raging storm. Cordelia, having married the King of France and hearing of her father's poor treatment and her sisters' villainy, raises an army and attacks, but in the end is unsuccessful and Lear, his daughters, and many, many others are left dead.

Meet the Cast

KING OF FRANCE, “OLD MAN”
Sarah Benjamin

INSANITY-HYBRIS, DUKE OF BURGUNDY
April Culver

INSANITY-NARCISSA
Sydney Harmon✝

GONERIL
Marjorie Hazeltine

 

EARL OF GLOUCESTER
Barbara Heninger

EDMUND
Melissa Mei Jones

FOOL
Regina Kohl

REGAN
Jen Maggio

 

CORDELIA
Tonya Mara

DUKE OF CORNWALL
Sara Renée Morris

KING LEAR
Doll Piccotto

OSWALD
Erin Southard

 

EDGAR
Alika Ululani Spencer

EARL OF KENT
Sarah Thermond

DUKE OF ALBANY
Stephanie Whigham

 

✝2023 Acting Trainee

 

Creatives + Crew

DIRECTOR Cynthia Lagodzinski • ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Merav Berger • PRODUCTION MANAGER Tonya Mara • STAGE MANAGER Cayleigh Coester • ASSISTANT STAGE MANAGER Heena Kim • TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Kevin Davies • SOUND DESIGNER Charlie Hoyt • COSTUME DESIGNER Lisa Claybaugh • PROPERTIES DESIGNER Leslie Todd • HAIR + MAKEUP DESIGNER Melissa Jones • FIGHT CHOREOGRAPHER SiFu Adrian Tandez • DRAMATURG Doll Piccotto • LIGHT BOARD OPERATOR Benjamin Lewis • SOUND BOARD OPERATOR Michelle Singh

 

COVID Safety Protocol

SVS is following county recommendations for outdoor settings, and as such, is not requiring audiences to be masked at our performance of King Lear. But masking is not discouraged or frowned upon!

Policy is subject to change according to the venue and county regulations.


FAQs

Are dogs allowed?

Well-socialized dogs on a leash are welcome, but we ask owners to choose seats on the left side of the audience, closest to the creek. This lets people with allergies or fear of dogs keep a suitable distance. Exceptions can be made for qualified service dogs.

 

Is the show appropriate for children?

We pride ourselves on providing entertainment for the entire family. Due to graphic content inherent in many of Shakespeare’s works, we recommend parents familiarize themselves with the plays and determine if they are appropriate for their child. To assist parents we have provided a rating system. (This production is rated PG for Parental Guidance.)

 

Can we bring a picnic?

Of course! There are several areas in the park to enjoy a picnic. If you come early to picnic, we recommend you have someone get in line 30-45 minutes before the performance to reserve seats, then return to finish your picnic. Peterson Grove, though conveniently located, is only available to our patrons if there is no wedding or other event present. Other picnic tables are available, just up the hill. When you walk out of the parking lot, turn left.

 

What time will the performance end?

Sanborn Park has a curfew requiring everyone to leave the premises by 10 PM. Therefore, all performances end at or before 9:30 PM, for a total runtime of no more than 2.5 hours, including intermission.

Can I buy tickets at the venue on the day of a performance?

Due to the limited capacity of the venue, we recommend purchasing tickets in advance. By purchasing your tickets online, you will receive a confirmation email with your eTickets which you can present to the ticket scanner. Please print your eTicket or save it to your phone before you arrive at the show, as cell phone service in Sanborn Park is poor.

People purchasing tickets at the park can pay with cash, Visa or Mastercard (cellular data access permitting), or a check made out to Silicon Valley Shakespeare.

Is seating reserved?

Seating in Sanborn Park is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The venue opens for seating at approx. 6:30 PM. But members of our Donors Circle and subscribers get earlier access. At that time, you can claim your seats with a blanket and then continue to enjoy a picnic in the park.

All seating consists of gray folding chairs with padded seats and backs.

Will there be food and beverages available for purchase?

We have a well-stocked concessions stand where you can purchase wine, water, snacks, cookies, candy, and cold and hot beverages, perfect for complementing a picnic you might bring to enjoy before the performance.

 

What time does the show start?

All performances at Sanborn Park begin at 7 PM.

Where and how do I park?

Sanborn Park charges a parking fee of $6 per vehicle. There is limited lighting in the parking lots after performances, so you might consider bringing a small flashlight.

Are children welcome?

Children must be supervised at all times. We ask that at least one adult be present for every six children in attendance. If you choose to drop a teenager off, note that Sanborn Park closes for entry at sunset and you cannot drive into the park later to retrieve your child. Cellular phone service in the park is very limited, so your child will not be able to reach you if they wish to leave early. Silicon Valley Shakespeare is not responsible for any child left unattended.

Is there a dress code?

Not at all! The performance is outdoors in a park where the terrain is primarily dirt and gravel. We recommend wearing shoes that let you walk safely to and from the theatre; high heels are not a good choice. The weather can change quickly, so we recommend that you bring something warm to wear later in the evening. If you bring/wear a hat, we request that it be one that won’t obstruct someone else’s view.

 

Can I sit in those cool thrones in the back of the theatre?

Royal Seating is an exclusive SVS experience! Extra-comfortable seats, a private seating area, a designated usher pre-show and at intermission. This is the lap of luxury for your evening’s entertainment! Available as a benefit to select members of our Donors Circle, though some are available for purchase at some performances. You can become a member of our Donors Circle by clicking here, or ask about upgrading your ticket purchase at the Box Office if you see those seats are empty.