King Lear key visual by Andrei Kovalev: an actor in a crown and royal coat poses for a studio portrait, lighting rigs in frame.

King Lear: The Epic Panorama

In October 2017, I shot a special project for the Tumanishvili Theatre in Tbilisi: the complete cast of William Shakespeare’s King Lear, staged by Zura Getsadze.

Two actors in costume: a man in a suit leaning on a cane, and a shirtless man gripping a rope-bound staff.

We spent one whole day capturing the essence of 16 characters. Some actors played two roles; others transformed dramatically over the course of the play.

The epic panorama: the whole King Lear cast standing in one long line.

The panorama printed along an entire gallery wall at the #ImaginingGeorgia exhibition.

In November 2017, I opened my solo exhibition #ImaginingGeorgia at the Black And White gallery in Tbilisi. The almost life-size panorama took up an entire wall.

Behind the scenes: the photographer shoots an actress aiming a revolver, under the set’s Gothic arches.

Behind the scenes: an actress in a long dark coat poses in front of the light on stage.

Behind the scenes: a bearded actor in a waistcoat poses under the Gothic arches.

Behind the scenes: an actress in a long white gown stands in front of the light.

Behind the scenes: the photographer at work on the stage, seen from the wings.

Behind the scenes: the studio set up on stage, seen from the empty stalls.

Behind the scenes: an actor in a leather coat and knitted cap waits by the light as a man looks on.

Behind the scenes: the photographer shoots an actor in a uniform jacket.

Behind the scenes: the photographer shoots an older actor in a waistcoat and tie.

Behind the scenes: an actor in a ruff and puffed breeches poses with one foot raised.

Behind the scenes: the photographer shoots King Lear in his crown under the Gothic arches.

Behind the scenes: an actor in puffed breeches spreads his hands as people watch from the balcony.

Production crew

Cast: Zurab Kipshidze, Akaki Khidasheli, Paata Inauri, Giorgi Kipshidze, Temo Natroshvili, Vano Dugladze, Vano Tarkhnishvili, Nanuka Litanishvili, Maia Gelovani, Kato Kalatozishvili, Anri Bibineishvili-Jakeli, Tornike Kasrashvili, Guga Kakhiani, Nika Tserediani, Erekle Getsadze, Imeda Arabuli · Assistant: George Kolbaia · BTS photographer: Tata Melnik

Zura Getsadze, the director, and Zurab Kipshidze as King Lear in a circle of light on the set.

Zura Getsadze, the play’s director, with Zurab Kipshidze, King Lear himself.

More of my work with theatres and actors →