`King Lear' (KL) by William Shakespeare is a text that has great textual integrity due to its universal themes (such as lack of insight and chaos & order) and level of craft which is reflected by the sophisticated integration of the tragic structure, language and characterisation. It is for these reasons that the play has been produced by companies and directors for so many years.

KL was first staged in 1606 in King James's court. Whilst some aspects of the play were popular with its audiences, it was generally rejected due to its bleak attitude and savagery. In 1681 Nahum Tate re-wrote whole sections of the play including the ending which consisted of Edgar and Cordelia having a love affair and then getting married whilst Lear was returned to the thrown. This version of the play was popular for nearly 150 years and satisfied the 18th century neoclassical beliefs that art must...