About This Show
In a unique combination of the gorgeous gestures, exquisite movement and extraordinary stagecraft of traditional Chinese Peking Opera, the celebrated actor from Taipei, Wu Hsing-Kuo adapts themes and relationships from Shakespeare’s monumental tragedy of power and deception, King Lear. Delivering a one man tour de force, Wu Hsing-kuo simultaneously depicts multiple characters, from the maniacal Lear and his ally Gloucester, to his evil, grasping daughters and the pitiful, lonely Fool. Further pushing the boundaries of traditional theatrical convention, he also appears as himself, exploring his own identity as an actor in relation to the fictional characters he portrays. Combining richly embroidered and colourful costumes, dazzling martial arts, contemporary dance, traditional live music and song, Wu creates an hypnotic experience for all the senses.