Mother Lear

Adapted from William Shakespeare’s King Lear Created and Performed by Ava Roy and Courtney Walsh 

PERFORMANCES

Sundays, 1PM: September 15, 22 & 29
Tuesdays, 7PM: September 17, 24, & October 1
Wednesday, 7PM: October 2

This award-winning production continues to deeply move and uplift audiences at every new stop. We’re thrilled to share Mother Lear at Cal Shakes!

This tight 50 minutes of fiercely original theatre is created and performed by Courtney Walsh and We Players’ Artistic Director, Ava Roy. A poignant production about an irascible middle-aged scholar with dementia who communicates with her caretaker daughter using only the text of King Lear as the two struggle with aging, love and their own balance of power. The performance is our Act One and a facilitated discussion with the audience follows as Act Two.

Tiered Ticketing for equitable access:

It’s important that anyone, regardless of their income, is able to witness this work – please choose the ticket price that best fits your means. A limited number of tickets are available at each price point.

  • Standard ticket price- $40
  • Subsidized ticket price for those in greatest financial need- $20
  • Support our subsidized ticket level. Your ticket price at this level ensures that others in greater financial need may still experience this special event- $60

More at the We Players website

Know Before You Go

Grounds open 1 hour before showtimes.

Come catch Dr. Philippa Kelly in the Grove about 45 minutes before each show to discuss some iconic Shakespearean themes – like loss and abandonment, redemption – that find a new awakening in Mother Lear, laced with an irony that brings this production very close to the Bard.

The cafe will be open to serve beverages (hot and cold, alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and lite snacks.
We encourage you to bring your own picnics if you want heartier fare.
Outside alcohol is not permitted due to the regulations of our alcohol license.
Please purchase any alcohol through our cafe.

The weather can change rapidly, so dress in appropriate layers (or bring a blanket), and wear comfortable shoes for exploring the grounds.

We Players presents Our Lady of the Moon

Part art installation and part performance piece, Our Lady of the Moon is inspired by Ix Chel, the Mayan Goddess of the Moon, and explores how the themes of natural tides, cycles, and circles can help inspire us to lighten and loosen our grasp on control. On select days the Goddess will be present, imparting the moon’s message to audience members as they arrive to attend As You Like It or Mother Lear. On days when the Goddess is not present, the installation will remain, inviting audiences to their own mediation and reflection.

The goddess will be present in her human form
to receive her children on these dates:

Friday, Sept 13, 6 – 7:15pm (before As You Like It)
Friday, Sept 20, 6 – 7:15pm   (before As You Like It)
Sunday, Sept 22, 11:30am-12:30pm (before Mother Lear)
Friday, Sept 27, 6 – 7:15pm   (before As You Like It)
Saturday, Sept 28, 6 – 7:15pm   (before As You Like It)
Sunday, Sept 29, 11:30am-12:30pm (before Mother Lear)
 

Admission is included with tickets to As You Like It or Mother Lear.

Scroll to Top