Derby-based 1623 theatre company has announce the cast of Lear/Cordelia, its “most ambitious production to date”, which brings together Shakespeare and new writing to explore dementia issues.
The cast is headed by RSC and National Theatre veteran David Henry as Lear and Shameless actor Gemma Paige North as Cordelia who tries to reconnect with her father as he lives with dementia.
They are joined by Victoria Brazier, who was Nancy in Oliver Twist for the Dukes Theatre, Lancaster, and Samantha Hopkins. They play Lear's older daughters Regan and Goneril who struggle to cope with their father's illness.
Lear is a radical reworking of King Lear by 1623 artistic director Ben Spiller, who also directs. Cordelia is a new play by Birmingham REP Foundry artist Farrah Chaudhry and is directed by Louie Ingham, an associate artist of the Dukes Lancaster.
Spiller said, “David, Gemma, Victoria and Samantha will bring passion, energy and a range of experiences to this exciting new double-bill that explores the impact of dementia on modern family life. In their auditions, they brought a profound humanity to their roles and I can't wait for them to share this with audiences.
“David has played many parts in classical theatre. The team will learn a lot from him as we rehearse together. Likewise, the members of the cast with more experience of new writing and devising will bring a different kind of energy to the rehearsal process.
"I'm buzzing at the thought of the creative sparks that are sure to fly among the cast in rehearsals before they perform in Leicester, Derby and online in October and November. It's all about fusing classical with modern to tell old and new stories that resonate in our world today.”
Lear/Cordelia plays at Attenborough Arts Centre, Leicester, in October. One of the performances will be streamed live online. The production transfers to Derby Theatre Studio in November.