Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society celebrates 15th year with King Lear

The Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society (LSPS) is marking its 15th anniversary with a significant undertaking: its inaugural production of William Shakespeare's "King Lear." This classic play, penned over 400 years ago, will be presented in parks and other venues across southern Alberta throughout the summer.

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It will be the usual multi-venue experience for audiences but with King Lear.

Shelley Scott, the director of the performance, noted that while the multi-venue experience remains a staple, "King Lear" presents a new challenge. The society's "Shakespeare in the Park" events have become a beloved tradition in southern Alberta, demonstrating the enduring relevance of classic plays. "420 years later, we’re still doing his shows. Why? Because they still speak to us," remarked John Poulsen, a cast member portraying the titular role.

This year's production follows a difficult period for the LSPS. In 2025, the society experienced a minor theft of costumes, which, though small, was a significant blow to the organization. "Everybody was very sad last year when they lost some of (the costumes) but we’ve had Community Foundation funding this year, which we are so grateful for and has helped us to replenish the costume stock," said Scott.

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420 years later, we’re still doing his shows. Why? Because they still speak to us.

Beyond the logistical and material challenges, performers also face personal hurdles. Poulsen, a retiree who has embraced acting, shared his struggles with pre-performance nerves, admitting to feeling self-doubt about his lines just before opening night. "It’s a week before performance. I wish I wouldn’t, I wish I didn’t feel like I suck, but I do because I screwed my lines up last night. I’m patching myself back together again because my confidence is so beat up," he said during a rehearsal.

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Everybody was very sad last year when they lost some of (the costumes) but we’ve had Community Foundation funding this year, which we are so grateful for and has helped us to replenish the costume stock.

For Poulsen, overcoming these moments of self-doubt makes the eventual success even more rewarding. He believes that participating in and bringing Shakespeare to the community is a valuable form of volunteerism. "I believe that a community that has Shakespeare in it is uplifted somehow. We are better for having Shakespeare in our community than if we didn’t," he stated. The 2026 summer season will feature 14 performances across seven venues in three southern Alberta communities during July and August, with some events being free and others requiring tickets.

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It’s a week before performance. I wish I wouldn’t, I wish I didn’t feel like I suck, but I do because I screwed my lines up last night. I’m patching myself back together again because my confidence is so beat up.