The ageing Lear decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, giving the biggest piece to the one who claims to love him most. When Cordelia, the youngest, refuses to match the false flattery of her sisters, she is banished from the kingdom. Having relinquished his power to Regan and Goneril, and tormented by his misjudgement, the increasingly frail Lear descends into grief-fuelled madness.

The Earl of Kent is a nobleman who is loyal to King Lear. Kent spends most of the play disguised as a peasant, calling himself “Caius,” so that he can continue to serve Lear even after Lear banishes him. Although loyal, he gets himself into trouble throughout the play by being extremely blunt and outspoken.


Steven Pacey plays the Earl of Kent in Shakespeare's King Lear in the Harvey Theater at the Brooklyn Academy of Music in New York from 7th January to 9th February 2014. Oscar nominated Broadway and film star Frank Langella plays the King in this new production, directed by Angus Jackson.

Full dates and details of the New York performances and accompanying special events can be found here: Stevenpacey.com


Photographs credit: Johan Persson

Grateful thanks as ever to Horizon member Thetis for keeping us updated. You can read all about Steven's projects on her excellent website here: Stevenpacey.com