Robert Ellenstein, founder and artistic director of the Los Angeles Repertory Company, will takes on one of Shakespeare's most demanding role, King Lear, in a production of the play opening Aug. 25 at the Met Theatre.

Ellenstein has been a professional actor for over 50 years, having appeared in hundreds of plays and television shows, and dozens of films. He has won numerous awards for his performances, including the 1994 L.A. Weekly's Lifetime Achievement in Theatre Award.

King Lear will be directed by Ellenstein's son, producing director Peter Ellenstein, who is best known locally for his productions of Assassins and Rocket to the Moon.

This will be Peter Ellenstein's final project with LA Rep before taking a two-year sabbatical from the company. The style of the production will be heavily influenced by Martha Graham's work, he said.

King Lear will run through Oct. 3 at the Met Theatre, 1089 N. Oxford St. Call (323) 782-5565 for more information. -- By Willard Manus
Southern California Correspondent