Shakespeare in Clark Park is returning this week. For five nights (July 24-28), the popular outdoor theater company will present the classic tragedy “King Lear” in the park’s “Bowl” at 43rd and Chester.

Shakespeare in Clark Park brings to life this classic tale of power and madness with a company of Philly’s favorite actors including Brian Anthony Wilson and Charlotte Northeast, transforming Clark Park thanks to scenic design by Sebastienne Mundheim. 

Over the past five years, SCP has expanded its practice of Radical Community Engagement, bringing community members on-stage with professional actors each year. This year, King Lear will feature live musical scoring thanks to its partnership with Play On, Philly!. The nonprofit provides underserved children in Philadelphia a transformative music education experience that develops and inspires the behaviors and personal skills needed for a successful life. SCP is also working with Impact Services and their resident veterans to create the world of Lear’s embattled knights. They will join with the community chorus to bring this troubled world to life.

King Lear is directed by Kittson O’Neill, Shakespeare in Clark Park Artistic Director.

“King Lear is a warning, an allegory and a family drama,” says O’Neill. “It’s a meditation on the cruel turning of time, the power of forgiveness and the corrosive temptations of power and violence. Its language is some of the most beautiful and thoughtful in all of Shakespeare’s plays.”

In addition to the community chorus, O’Neill directs a company of professional actors led by Dan Kern (King Lear). He is joined by actors Charlotte Northeast (Goneril), Kimie Muroya (Regan) and Jessica Money (Cordelia) playing Lear’s three daughters. The cast is rounded out by Dan Hodge (Kent), Brian Anthony Wilson (Gloucester), Cameron DelGrosso (Edgar), Ezra Ali-Dow (Edmund), David Raine (Duke of Albany), Eric Mills (Duke of Cornwall), Faith Dansberry (Oswald) and Jenna Kuerzi (The Fool).

All performances are free and begin at 7 p.m. The rain location is the Harold Prince Theater at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 3680 Walnut Street. For more information, visit shakespeareinclarkpark.org.