What King Lear Reveals About Maoism in China | History and Politics Explained

NEW YORK, December 16, 2025 — Nan Z. Da, author of "The Chinese Tragedy of King Lear", explores how Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy sheds light on Maoism, authoritarian rule, and political structures in China’s 20th century. Joined by Harvard University literature professor Stephen Greenblatt and Asia Society’s Orville Schell, Da examines the psychology of authoritarian societies, betrayal, and the enduring lessons of King Lear for understanding modern China. This video offers a unique perspective for anyone interested in Shakespeare, Chinese history, Maoism, and political analysis. (1 hr., 25 min.) Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction by Alexander Boyd 2:14 Introduction by Orville Schell 4:48 Mozart: Et incarnatus est (Arleen Auger, Bernstein, 1990) 13:42 Discussion with Nan Z. Da and Stephen Greenblatt Subscribe for more videos like this: http://AsiaSociety.org/YouTube --- Support Asia Society today: http://AsiaSociety.org/Donate --- Subscribe to our newsletter to stay connected: https://asiasociety.org/email-subscri... --- Facebook:   / asiasociety   Instagram:   / asiasociety   Twitter:   / asiasociety   LinkedIn:   / asia-society   #asiasociety #asiasocietynewyork #china #KingLear #LiteraryAnalysis #maoism