King Lear world of Asian manufacturing and music in England. The 2006 Chinese film "Curse of the Golden Flower" is loosely based on King Lear, but, the plot is set in Tang Dynasty China instead of Medieval Europe. Carl Bessai wrote and directed a modern adaptation of "King Lear" titled "The Lears". Released in 2017, the film starred Bruce Dern, Anthony Michael Hall and Sean Astin. On 28 May 2018, BBC Two broadcast "King Lear" starring Anthony Hopkins in the title role and Emma Thompson as Goneril. Directed by Richard Eyre, the play featured a 21st-century setting. Hopkins, at the age of
Shakespeare in performance of the century Shakespeare's plays had been established as part of the repertory outside of Great Britain: not only in the United States but in many European countries. In the 18th century, Shakespeare dominated the London stage, while Shakespeare productions turned increasingly into the creation of star turns for star actors. After the Licensing Act of 1737, one fourth of the plays performed were by Shakespeare, and on at least two occasions rival London playhouses staged the very same Shakespeare play at the same time ("Romeo and Juliet" in 1755 and "King Lear" the next year) and still commanded audiences.