Derby-based theatre company tackle dementia with exciting double-bill of Shakespeare and new writing

1623 are delighted to present a pilot production of Lear/Cordelia: a radical reworking of Shakespeare’s King Lear followed by Cordelia, a new play from the perspective of Lear's youngest daughter.

Lear has dementia. His children never visit him. He forbids it, ever since they betrayed him and he disowned them many years ago. So what happens when Cordelia - his youngest, whose betrayal was the greatest - knocks on his door? Why has she come back? What's her story? And is there any chance of reconciliation?

The production, which has been created through participatory research into King Lear in the context of dementia, combines digital projection-mapping, Shakespeare and new writing to open up the emotional landscapes of a man with dementia and the woman who tries to reconnect with him.

Ben Spiller, 1623’s artistic director, said: "We can't wait to share two incredibly emotional and political plays based on Shakespeare, recent participatory research in care homes and the world in which we all live. "Lear/Cordelia has been created by, with and for people who are passionate about seeing Shakespeare differently, excited about new writing and driven to explore the emotional impact of dementia on family life."

Lear/Cordelia also has accompanying workshops for care homes, schools, colleges and youth theatres. Digital Shakespeare (schools, colleges, youth theatres): 1623theatre.co.uk/learning/digital-shakespeare-workshops Lear's Memory Box (care homes): 1623theatre.co.uk/participation/lears-memory-box-workshops

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