End of an Era: Rade Šerbedžija's 'King Lear' Plays Final Show After 26 Years

The Ulysses Theatre is preparing to bid farewell to one of its most iconic productions, Shakespeare's "King Lear," with its final performance scheduled for August 13 at the Minor Fortress on Mali Brijun. This event signifies the conclusion of a significant chapter for the theater, as the play has been central to its identity since its founding.

For 26 years, acclaimed actor Rade Šerbedžija has embodied the role of King Lear, a tenure that has spanned nearly the entire existence of the Ulysses Theatre. The play not only launched the theater's adventurous journey on the Brijuni islands in 2001 but has also served as its enduring symbol. Over the decades, while the supporting cast has changed, Šerbedžija's powerful portrayal has remained a constant, drawing audiences back to the island year after year and nurturing new generations of theatergoers.

Šerbedžija, now 80 years old, is stepping down from the demanding role, a decision framed not as an inability to continue, but as a wise recognition of the right moment to conclude a remarkable run. The Minor Fortress itself has played an integral part in the production, with director Lenka Udovički describing it as a dramaturg that influenced the play's staging within its corridors, courtyards, and amphitheater.

The production's long life has seen memorable moments, including a visit from Angelina Jolie in 2018. It has also weathered public discussions about its funding and necessity. However, for those who have experienced "King Lear" on Brijuni, its significance is undeniable, beginning from the boat journey to the island. The play's enduring quality was also evident when it was performed at Dubrovnik's Lovrijenac Fortress in 2014, where Šerbedžija, previously known for his Hamlet there, returned as a king.

“

The fortress of Mali Brijun was never just a set. The Minor Fortress is the dramaturg of this play, because the performance grew out of its corridors, courtyards, steps carved into the rock, and amphitheater.