One of the great theatre events of the season, Shakespeare’s most powerful tragedy, King Lear, streams Live in HD from London to Orcas Center, Thursday, May 1 at 7:30 p.m.

Academy Award®-winner Sam Mendes (“James Bond: Skyfall,” “American Beauty”) returns to the National Theatre to direct Olivier Award winner Simon Russell Beale (“Timon of Athens,” “Collaborators”) in the title role.

In this brutal story of love, loyalty and betrayal, an aged king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, according to which of them is most eloquent in praising him. His favourite, Cordelia, says nothing and Lear’s world descends into chaos.

This brilliant contemporary production of King Lear is about political authority as much as it is about family dynamics and is as accessible today in its themes as it was in Shakespeare’s day.

Tickets for King Lear from NT Live are $18, $13 for students, $2 off for Orcas Center members, and may be purchased at www.orcascenter.org or by calling 376-2281 ext. 1 or visiting the Orcas Center Box Office open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from noon to 4 p.m.