Lear-ning from Shakespeare

While theater-goers are familiar with Shakespeare's tragedy King Lear, seeing the story placed in the context of a certain dynasty in China, is certainly a novelty.

Director Tian Qinxin and playwright Shi Yue try to do just that in the play titled Ming, that kicked off the 2008 Beijing International Drama Festival at the National Center for the Performing Arts last t.

The old Emperor of the Ming Dynasty thinks of abdicating the throne, but cannot decide which of his three sons should get it, the effete eldest son, cruel second son or the frank and honest youngest. All three have their eyes on the throne. In the race for power, people go crazy, are used, find themselves in key positions, lose out and even die. Everyone is drawn into the cycle of power, honor and desire.