Tragic Tale of King Lear Comes to CLU

The Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival will feature performances of the tragic "King Lear" from July 20 through Aug. 5 at California Lutheran University.

Regarded as one of the most challenging role for actors, King Lear is a powerful aging king blinded by his weaknesses. Lear divides his kingdom among his three daughters based on who recites the best declaration of love. The family appears loving and caring at first glance, but it becomes apparent that greed, betrayal and cruelty are actually the family traits. In this powerful tale, Lear is left to wander the stormy landscape alone and near madness.

CLU theatre arts professor Michael Arndt is directing "King Lear." Arndt co-founded the Kingsmen Shakespeare Festival and the Kingsmen Shakespeare Company. He has directed several other shows for the festival, including Othello, The Tempest and Macbeth. His many honors include the 2006 Excellence in Theatre Education Award from Region VIII of the Kennedy Center/American College Theatre Festival, CLU’s President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching, and the Thousand Oaks Arts Commission Certificate for Excellence in the Arts.

"King Lear" opens on Friday, July 20, and continues July 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, Aug. 3, 4 and 5. All shows start at 8 p.m. The grounds open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking and pre-show entertainment.

Admission is $10 for adults and free for those under 18. Lawn box seating is available for $65 or $50. For ticket and lawn box purchase information, call (805) 493-3455 or check the Web site at www.kingsmenshakespeare.org. The CLU campus is located at 60 W. Olsen Road in Thousand Oaks. Alcohol is prohibited on campus.