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King Lear Trip

 

On All Saints’ Day, a small group of students, staff, and faculty from Thomas Aquinas College, New England, excitedly set out to New York City for Kenneth Branagh’s new production of King Lear. As the play was an evening showing, the group took the earlier part of the day to explore various parts of Manhattan.

After enjoying a homemade breakfast, the students embarked on a long road trip to the Big Apple, driving through the Massachusetts and Connecticut fall landscape. Upon arrival on the Upper East Side, the group stopped by St. Vincent Ferrer Catholic Church to attend Mass. Dedicated in 1918, the church has been in the care of the Dominican Friars for more than a century. Its architectural beauty did not escape the attention of the students, who, after Mass, took some time to admire the many side altars and stained-glass windows, two of which featured the College’s patron — St. Thomas Aquinas — and Aristotle. 

After Mass, the students split up to explore different parts of the city on foot. One group made a small pilgrimage to St. Patrick’s Cathedral in East Manhattan. As it was All Saints’ Day, the Cathedral had all its relics on display for veneration. “It was such a pleasant surprise,” said Isabella Caughron (‘26), “but also very fitting.”

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The groups reconvened on the Upper East Side to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Various parts of the Museum captured the students’ awe and wonder, from medieval frescoes and High Renaissance paintings to English Victorian furniture and Van Gogh’s oil on canvas. “It would probably take at least three or four days to adequately examine this museum,” remarked Ethan Connolly (’26). 

As the sun was setting over the city skyline, the group next gathered at a local Italian restaurant in Midtown. Dinner was hearty, and the conversations were cheerful. After a round of desserts, all departed for the main event: King Lear

Considered one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies, King Lear is a part of the Junior Seminar curriculum. Sir Kenneth Branagh, the award-winning British actor and filmmaker, served as director of this new production and also played the title character. Though sprinkled with the occasional light-hearted moments, the play maintained a sense of tension, keeping the audience engrossed with the action. The top-tier acting and technical production helped bring together the dramatic and highly emotional climax. 

“It really helps you to understand that Shakespeare is not only meant to be read,” said Student Support Coordinator  Emily (Barry ’11) Sullivan, “but also to be seen and heard.”