Chaos and Age

Chantler's April 2014 Shakespeare Challenge - King Lear

King Lear is one of my favourite Shakespeare plays, but one of the hardest to perform. I love the flawed character of King Lear himself. The themes here are about chaos and old age, and there is always a sense that events are constantly, and rapidly, on the move.

This picture is a restaurant I pass on my way to work. Its in a run down area of Victorian back to backs. The area is chaotic. I regularly see people walking around with large items between houses, you see drugs sold, drunks, and there are numerous betting shops nearby. This is the area where those whose lives are in chaos, live. Every so often a window is replaced by cardboard or plywood for a few weeks.

In the middle of this, a couple of years ago, a family set up this tiny Caribbean Cafe. I often see them congregated in the tiny yard, smoking, and greeting every passer by. I bet if they were asked, they would, like Cordelia, the youngest daughter in King Lear, say they loved the area like salt. It is essential to them, the life blood of their business, and it also seems to complement them, and enhance the character of the place. And the city cannot do without this area. It is where our lowest paid workers live, and new creative ideas generate from. It is also the catching place for those who fall. This cafe is the youngster in the old area, reminding it of its essential place in society.