Public Art of the Week

‘We that are young

Shall never see so much, nor live so long’

King Lear

The Historical Society of Greater Lansing has received a bust of actor John Peakes in his role of King Lear that will be displayed at the society’s new headquarters in the Rogers-Carrier House at Lansing Community College.

The bust, sculpted by former East Lansing artist Nancy Leisorowitz, was displayed at Lansing’s old BoarsHead Theater and later at the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. Leisorowitz has several other sculptures in the Lansing area, including “Cassiopeia” and the “Seated Girl” at the entrance to the East Lansing Public Library.

Peakes, who helped found BoarsHead, played Lear several times, first in 1966. Then he wore a fake white beard. However, 24 years later he was able to perform with a “natural white beard,” a newspaper account said.

The story called Peakes “a sure-footed Lear.”

BoardsHead’s roots roots can be traced to the Stout Players, which performed in Grand Ledge Fitzgerald Park from 1955 to 1961. In 1970, the group adopted the name “BoarsHead,” which is the British symbol of theater. In 1975, BoarsHead moved its operation to downtown Lansing, at the corner of Grand Avenue and Lenawee Street.

The theatre closed in 2009 after losing state and local funding.  By then Peakes had already relocated to suburban Philadelphia. He died in 2017 at 83.

The Historical Society expects to do an exhibit on local theater in Lansing.

BILL CASTANIER

(Castanier is president of the Historical Society of Greater Lansing.)

Public Art of the Week is a new feature that rotates with Eyesore of the Week. If you have an idea for either, please email eye@lansingcitypulse.com or call (517) 999-6704.