He himself is content to describe the role as "powerful".
It's a very good role for an actor of my age and many good actors have done it, so there's no lack of predecessors. But a dream role, I don't really know.
In 1984, Dramaten put up "King Lear" with Ingmar Bergman directing and Jarl Kulle in the title role. Peter Andersson, who was then part of Dramaten's permanent ensemble, managed to do three different roles in the production.
I remember that as a young actor, I felt that the role of King Lear was bloody powerful, "that's something you could do when you get older", says Peter Andersson, now 71 years old.
Along with "Hamlet", "Macbeth", and "Othello", "King Lear" is counted among Shakespeare's great tragedies. The aging king wants to divide the kingdom among his three daughters before he steps down from the throne. The one who can prove that she loves him the most will be the most richly rewarded. A decision that leads to chaos and bitter power struggles.
Spectacular
This time, it's the German director and playwright Falk Richter who is in charge of the direction. In his version, the play also has a parallel story about a conflict-filled theater production of "King Lear".
A few days before the premiere, the adrenaline level starts to rise and the details are being fine-tuned. Above all, it's the technology that needs to be in place for the spectacular performance. Dramaten warns in advance of violent scenes, loud sounds, and strobe lights.
It's a very different production compared to the one 40 years ago, notes Peter Andersson.
Falk Richter is a recognized European theater man and has brought his own set designer, lighting designer, costume designer, and video filmmaker. They often work like that in Europe, I've understood, but it wasn't decisive for me.
The Text is Complete
Last autumn, Peter Andersson played King Claudius in Stadsteatern's production of "Hamlet". Andersson explains Shakespeare's relevance today by saying that human longing, sorrow, joy, hate, and love are constant and can easily be integrated into modern times.
In newer productions, Shakespeare's text is often heavily adapted, it's as if you need to explain everything to a modern audience. But actually, the text is complete, I think the plays themselves say so much.
Age: 71 years
Current: Playing "King Lear" at Dramaten with the premiere on September 7.
Career in brief: Has participated in over 30 productions at Dramaten and Stockholm City Theatre (now Kulturhuset Stadsteatern) as well as films and TV series such as "Änglagård", "Wallander", "Hamilton", "Jordskott", and "Men Who Hate Women".
Awards: Kristallen 2015 Male Actor of the Year for "Viva hate". Medaljen Litteris et Artibus 2019. Svenska Akademiens teaterpris 2022.
