William Shakespeare's "King Lear" was originally published in 1606.(Meg M. Lauffer / Provided)With most of the region’s Shakespeare theater companies headquartered in Louisville, theater director Martin French said Southern Indiana deserves its own Shakespeare group.“Shakespeare isn't as commonl y studied on this side of the river as in other places, but people like stories,” French said. “People like engaging with what it is to be a person, so I'm optimistic that we're going to see a good few people locally.”So IN To Shakespeare launched its first fall tour since the group began in 2023. French, the producing artistic director, and more than a dozen local actors will bring “King Lear” to residents in New Albany, Corydon and Charlestown.French said he’s eager to put on “one of Shakespeare’s greatest works.” The tragedy tells the tale of banishment and betrayal when an old British king plans to divide his kingdom among his three daughters.The 17th-century stage play shares some familiar truths in the wake of the midterm elections, French said. He hopes the audience can think about the play “beyond the text.”“Among the things that I find really interesting is what happens when those in power feel like they want to pass it on, but aren't capable of doing that in a thoughtful manner,” French said of the play. “What happens when you have somebody who lets power go to his head and allows himself to be governed by his own personal whims rather than what's best for the country?”So IN To Shakespeare will perform at St. Paul’s Parish Home in New Albany on Friday, Nov. 6 and Saturday, Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.Tickets are free for residents under 26 years old.The shows at Harrison County Arts in Corydon on Friday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. and at the Charlestown Arts and Enrichment Center on Saturday, Nov. 14 at 2 p.m. are free.So IN To Shakespeare is one of three companies, along with Kentucky Shakespeare and Three Witches Shakespeare, performing the Bard’s works in Kentuckiana.“Shakespeare belongs to everyone” no matter what county they live in, Kentucky Shakespeare producing artistic director Matt Wallace said.In its 2025-2026 season, Kentucky Shakespeare toured to 10 Indiana counties, according to its recent education outreach report.“Whether they're school groups or community theater or amateur or professional, we feel like the more exposure, the better,” Wallace said. “Taking Shakespeare off a pedestal, making people realize that this can be accessible and inclusive, and fun. That's a great feeling.”A larger presence in the theater community also helps the local “arts ecosystem” thrive and allows local thespians to keep creating, Wallace said.“When I first began in this position 13 years ago, our company and a lot of other companies were [employing] so many actors from out of town,” he said. “And it's just great to see now using local professional talent, local community talent, and also getting folks to move here.”Kentucky Shakespeare will launch a tour of “Romeo and Juliet” in Louisville and Southern Indiana next spring. ...read more read less