King Lear: Performers’ physical interpretation of character (build, age, height, facial features, movement, posture, gesture, facial expression)

King Lear

Portraying King Lear authentically requires an understanding of his physicality, which can be influenced by his age, mental decline, and his journey from a powerful king to a broken man.
His advanced age must be reflected in the actor’s stance, movement and gait. A strong, proud posture in the early stages of the play should slowly dissolve into a slump or hunch as he becomes more frail and vulnerable.
Facial expressions should emphasise the emotions of anger, confusion, madness and eventually remorse and regret.
Changes in Lear’s movement can create a visual arc of his character’s downfall, such as energetic and commanding movements in the beginning, replaced by slower and more erratic movements as the play progresses.

Goneril and Regan, both deceitful characters, can be portrayed physically to reflect their duplicity.
Facial features may be manipulated to create a veneer of kindness and approval in the presence of Lear, but should transform to reveal a cunning and cruel nature in their private interactions.
Their movement and gesture could also reflect their power struggle, perhaps adopting more masculine, aggressive stances as they gain control over their father’s kingdom.

For the dutiful, loyal Cordelia, physical features like her stature and posture should embody her purity and strength.
Cordelia may be portrayed with a bold posture and graceful movement to emphasise her integrity and dignity, even in the face of rejection and exile.
Her facial expressions must convey a range of emotions, from initial shock and hurt to eventual forgiveness and enduring love for Lear.

The Fool’s status as a jester lends freedom to his physical portrayal. He can be played as agile, with expressive gestures and facial expressions to highlight his satirical humour.
His physical performance, including posture and movement, must convey his role as a keen observer and commentator on other characters’ actions.

Edmund and Edgar, the two bastard sons, offer stark contrast to each other.
Edmund’s deceit and ambition might be portrayed through predatory movements, tense posture, and cunning facial expressions.
Edgar, though driven into the wilderness, retains his integrity. His physicality might depict resilience, from a deportment of despair to a stance of strength and determination by the story’s climax.