Directed by Michael Socrates Moran
Music composed by Paul Dresher
September 25, 2026 – October 11, 2026
Oakland Theater Project and New Performance Traditions are thrilled to present their most ambitious co-production to date: a bold, music-infused production of William Shakespeare’s epic tragedy King Lear, featuring a cast of 30; and music composed by Paul Dresher and performed live by the Dresher|Davel Invented Instrument Duo.
Directed by OTP Executive Artistic Director Michael Socrates Moran, the production features the “irrepressible” (SF Chronicle) J Jha (Angels in America, Mahābhārata) as Lear; renowned performer, singer, and writer Rinde Eckert (Ghost Quartet) as The Fool; Dean Linnard as Edmund; Sarah Kasuga as Goneril; Natalie Pasquinelli as Regan; and Dina Zarif as Cordelia.
In the twilight of his rule, a king sets out to divide the kingdom among his three daughters. But in mistaking flattery for love, Lear’s foolish choices usher in a new reign of domination, cruelty and collapse.
As a self-styled “bastard” sets out to upend the ruling order, Lear must confront his own part in the kingdom’s downfall.
Can he transform in time to reclaim what is sacred before the clown show becomes the new order?
TICKETS
Tickets are purchased through the Z Space Box Office
PRIORITY TICKET : $100 :: SELECT TICKET : $70
STANDARD TICKET : $40 – Gen Admission :: $20 – Pay-what-you-can 20 :: $10 – Pay-what-you-can 10
King Lear : The Dramaturg’s Lens with Dr. Philippa Kelly
Want to explore King Lear more deeply before experiencing it onstage? Join Oakland Theater Project Resident Dramaturg Dr. Philippa Kelly for The Dramaturg’s Lens, a four-week course examining Shakespeare’s great tragedy, its enduring and highly contemporary themes, and the role of music in the upcoming production.
The course includes conversations with composer Paul Dresher, who is composing an original score for the production and playing live with Joel Davel [September 28] ; and actors J Jha, Rinde Eckert and Dean Linnard. Classes begin September 14 with an in-person gathering (repeated on zoom the next day for those who can’t make the gathering). Thereafter the course runs Mondays 4 pm online. It is suitable for all ages and levels of theatrical knowledge. More information>>>