I think [King Lear is] the most profound of the plays. It’s not one you go to for a jolly night out, Shakespeare was deeply serious in writing this play. It does have its comic aspects, but it’s easily the most profound examination of what it means to be human of anything that I know.
Stanley Wells on his five favorite Shakespeare plays, and more, to coincide with the release of a new book of his essays on Shakespeare.
Lear is my favorite too, but the RSC’s current production isn’t as great as it should be.
I interviewed Stanley Wells about three years ago. He discusses the Shakespeare authorship question, and other topics.
If you’re interested in Shakespeare, you might want to check out his forthcoming book, Shakespeare on Page & Stage. (Amazon.com, Amazon UK)