Lost Lear

What Is Lost Lear About?

Lost Lear tells the story of Joy, a former actress living in a care home who is experiencing dementia. As her memory deteriorates, she becomes convinced that she is rehearsing a production of Shakespeare's King Lear, blurring the boundaries between her theatrical past and present-day reality.

A Complicated Family Reunion

Joy's estranged son, Conor, visits hoping to reconnect with his mother and confront unresolved issues from their troubled relationship. However, Joy struggles to recognize him or understand their shared history. To communicate with her, Conor must enter the imaginary theatrical world she has created.

Shakespeare, Memory and Identity

Joy's nurse, Liam, helps sustain her imagined production by playing different characters. As the three navigate this unusual reality, Shakespeare's tragedy becomes a framework for exploring family conflict, aging, forgiveness and the loss of identity. The play combines emotional drama with inventive theatrical storytelling.

Mature themes of dementia and family conflict suit adults only

Lost Lear Comes to Broadway

Lost Lear, a contemporary reimagining of Shakespeare's King Lear, arrives on Broadway in March 2027 at the Booth Theatre. Written and directed by Irish theatre-maker Dan Colley, the play combines family drama, theatrical illusion and the challenges of dementia.

From Dublin to Broadway

The production premiered at the Dublin Theatre Festival in 2022 before earning international recognition, including a Scotsman Fringe First Award at the 2025 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Its inventive storytelling and emotional exploration of memory helped establish the work as a critically acclaimed contemporary drama.

A Star-Studded Broadway Production

The Broadway staging features Academy Award winner Jessica Chastain as Joy, a former actress experiencing dementia who believes she is rehearsing King Lear. Corey Stoll plays her estranged son, Conor, while Michael Urie portrays her nurse, Liam. The limited engagement begins previews March 29, 2027, with an official opening scheduled for April 23.