A New Look at Lear at the Lemon Tree
Visual storytelling and intimate performances breathe new life into Shakespeare’s tragic masterpiece.
Ramesh Meyyappan’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s King Lear comes to the Lemon Tree this week, with a bold, pared-back style that hones in on the raw human emotions at the heart of the story. Directed by Orla O’Loughlin, this intimate four-actor production explores the downfall of power and the deep loneliness that follows.
Rather than relying on elaborate sets or costumes, Meyyappan’s Lear uses movement and expression to draw out the chaos of betrayal and the vulnerability of losing control. With a small cast and close staging, the audience is brought into the action, almost as though they are part of the world themselves.
Would you like to see your advert here? Let's talk.
POST highlights Aberdeen’s creative scene, from theatre and music to visual arts. We focus on showcasing the city’s unique talent and supporting local voices.
Through stories, artist profiles, and event coverage, we’re here to share what makes Aberdeen vibrant. Sign up for free or support us and go ad-free for just £3 a month.
A Fresh Perspective
Meyyappan’s performance combines his distinctive visual style with moments of quiet tension. O’Loughlin’s direction brings a sense of creeping pressure, as though the walls are closing in on Lear’s crumbling authority. This isn’t a grand, distant story; it’s a deeply personal one that plays out in front of your eyes.
“I am excited to be creating and developing this new piece of work commissioned by Singapore International Festival of Arts to both Singapore where I grew up and to my adopted home here in Scotland,” Meyyappan shared. His words reflect the layered nature of this production. It’s a story of home, identity, and universal human vulnerability.
Honest Storytelling
What sets this Lear apart is its simplicity and directness. No distracting spectacle or clever tricks, just powerful, honest performances. It strips back the play to its essential conflict: what remains when power and trust are gone? This is Shakespeare made immediate and close, asking questions that resonate today.
You can catch this reimagined Lear at the Lemon Tree on 30 and 31 May. Get tickets from Aberdeen Performing Arts and the Box Office.
