Composed by Anthony Davis with a libretto by playwright Allan Havis, “Lear on the 2nd Floor” is a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s “King Lear.” It tells the story of Nora Lear, a neuroscience researcher suffering from early-onset Alzheimer’s. As Nora loses her bearings and autonomy, she is increasingly at the mercy of her three quarreling daughters. In this version, Nora’s dead husband Mortimer is Shakespeare’s fool and her constant companion, as she wanders through a world where past and present blend and reality bends. Davis’s music incorporates diverse styles and influences, ranging from classical opera to jazz to reggae. Series: "Shakespeare" [Arts and Music] [Show ID: 25484]