His actors’ experience factored into the fall play choice, he said. “It seemed fi tting for this cast to take on one of the greatest plays ever written. They were ready.” Despite the cast’s size, each ensemble member had the opportunity to express themselves, Mr. MacDonald said. “With a large ensemble play like ‘King Lear,’ each member of the cast has their own chance to shine. This contributes to Shakespeare’s powerful character building that still makes the work relatable today.”

Mr. MacDonald also said it was a privilege to work with this group of students. “We are very fortunate to have an extraordinary group of seniors on and off stage leading a fabulous company of BB&N students,” he said. “I can’t stress that enough—a wonderful group who I am privileged to work with this term.”

Miley Chen ’25, who played King Lear, said that the actors took their roles to heart, working to explore complicated relationships in “King Lear.”

“It’s been a little tricky fi nding a way to relate to Lear because he’s an 80-year-old man that’s going mad,” she said. “I, obviously, am a teenage girl who, I hope, is not going insane. However, I’ve found a way to relate to Lear’s anxieties about going mad. I think most actors, myself included, have a little color in their brain, and the thought of losing control in the way Lear does is terrifying to me.”

For Miley, “King Lear” is particularly poignant because it is her last fall production at the school, she said.

“I’ve done the fall show all four years I’ve been at the Upper School. This production is really special to me because it feels like everything’s come full circle.”

Hale McGivern ’25, who played Goneril, Lear’s eldest daughter, grew into her character slowly, she said.

“I’ve had a hard time connecting to her, but through exploration, I’ve been able to find some things I connect with her about. Learning how to perform Shakespeare has many pieces that are different from all other playwrights.”

Max Laibson ’25, who played one of Lear’s fools, found his role both challenging and fun, he said.

“We follow Lear around and use humor to criticize his bad choices. The fools like to make people happy. Fundamentally, they’re performers, like me. They get wrapped up in all the chaotic stress surrounding Lear, which sometimes reminds me a little of high school.”

Max said his favorite moment in the play is the battle scene.

“It’s chaotic, lots of people die, and I get to fire arrows.”

David Zhou ’28, who watched the first show, expressed this admiration for his peers.

“I enjoyed seeing the passionate acting of my classmates. I believe that it is important to support student productions since it encourages them to pursue their hobbies and builds a community.”

The production’s technical crew played a major role in bringing the cast’s vision to life, Leo Saul ’28 said. Backstage, Leo operated a spotlight and worked on the crew.

“We worked for about seven weeks, three times a week,” Leo said. “We all put a lot of effort into creating the background, repainting the floor, and adding effects. Seeing it come together has been really cool.”

For Leo, joining the crew was a welcoming experience.

“Everyone was super friendly and helpful, teaching me how to handle things backstage.”

Leo looks forward to possibly returning for future productions, he said.

“I really had a fun time and am defi nitely considering doing it again. We’re all in this together, and that’s what makes it so special.”