King Lear Compared

Compares and analyzes two versions of William Shakespeare’s King Lear – by Laurence Olivier in 1984 and by Peter Brook in 1971.

In comparing and contrasting the Laurence Olivier version of King Lear in 1984 with the Peter Brook version in 1971, the author notices a number of variables in the body language of the actors and their clothing. There are several similar elements that both renditions share, as might be expected and quite a few different aspects and approaches, especially regarding the respective physical portrayals of their characters by the respective actors and actresses.