Shakespeare’s plays have often been moved to different times – part of the wonder of his work revolves around its ability to focus on the human condition, looking at over-arching themes that are as old as human life and as relevant today as when they were written.
King Lear was originally based on a mythical Celtic king, but in their manga adaptation, Richard Appignanesi and Ilya set their story in 18th Century America. Lear is an ageing Mohican Chieftain, who decides to share his kingdom out between his three daughters. However, the course of family life never runs smoothly and Lear fails to distribute the bounty evenly. The political back-stabbings that follow lead to the downfall of all concerned.