The play "Bunkamura Production 2025/DISCOVER WORLD THEATRE vol.15 'King Lear' NINAGAWA MEMORIAL," starring actress Shinobu Otake and performed from October to November, began streaming for a limited time on WOWOW On Demand PPV (pay-per-view) from November 28th.
"King Lear" was the 15th production in Bunkamura's "DISCOVERWORLD THEATRE Series," a collaborative project between Japanese and international creators that presents outstanding international plays with a contemporary perspective. The production was directed by Philip Breen, who has appeared in the series more times than any other production. His innovative directing techniques, which look deeply at human nature and delicately weave stories, were highly praised in his productions of "Crime and Punishment" (2019) and "Anna Karenina" (2023).
The role of King Lear is played by Otake, who has appeared in many Shakespeare productions. This is the first time that Otake has played the role of an adult male. Rie Miyazawa plays Goneril, the eldest daughter who toyed with Lear with sweet words and then cruelly abandoned him; Ryo Narita plays Edmund, the ambitious illegitimate son of Earl of Gloucester who seduces Goneril and Regan; and Erika Ikuta plays Cordelia, Lear's third daughter who is disowned by Lear for being so honest.
This production will see the stage debut of Ouji Suzuka as Edgar, the eldest son of the Earl of Gloucester who is disowned by Edmund's schemes; Yokota Eiji as the Earl of Kent, who was exiled despite being Lear's loyal retainer, but later returns to serve him in disguise; and Ando Tamae as Regan, Lear's second daughter who, like Goneril, skillfully manipulates and betrays her father.
In addition, Katsumura Masanobu plays the Jester, who reflects Lear's mental state, and Yamazaki Hajime plays the Earl of Gloucester, who is humiliated by the machinations of his son Edmund.
The streaming period is from 5:00 PM on November 28th to 11:59 PM on December 14th. Unlimited viewing is available during the streaming period. Streaming tickets will be on sale from 5:00 PM on November 28th to 7:00 PM on December 14th. The price is 3,900 yen. The streaming platform and ticket sales site is WOWOW On Demand PPV.
◇Story
When King Lear of Britain abdicates due to his advanced age, he decides to divide his kingdom among his three daughters. His eldest daughter, Goneril, and his second daughter, Regan, skillfully sweet-talk their father and please him, but his youngest daughter, Cordelia, is only honest and speaks frankly. Lear becomes disowned and banishes the Earl of Kent, who tries to protect him. Cordelia becomes Queen of France, while Kent disguises himself, hides his true identity, and returns to serve Lear.
As promised, Lear seeks refuge in his two daughters, Goneril and Regan, but is betrayed and left to wander the wilderness, gradually becoming consumed by madness. To rescue Lear, Cordelia lands in Dover with the French army and is reunited with her father. However, the French army is defeated by the British army, and Lear and Cordelia are taken prisoner. Thanks to the efforts of Kent and others, Lear is rescued, but Cordelia has been killed in prison, and when Lear emerges holding his daughter's body, he screams in grief...
