The Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center presents the National Theatre’s acclaimed stage production of “King Lear,” broadcast live from London’s West End at 7 p.m. May 1. An encore presentation is 3 p.m. May 4.

Academy Award winner Sam Mendes (“Skyfall,” “American Beauty”) returns to the National Theatre to direct Simon Russell Beale in the title role of Shakespeare’s tragedy.

In the classic story, an aged king decides to divide his kingdom between his three daughters, according to which of them is most eloquent in praising him. His favorite, Cordelia, says nothing and Lear’s world descends into chaos.

“National Theatre Live” is an initiative to broadcast live performances of plays from the National Theatre in London to cinema screens worldwide. Broadcasts in the first season (2009) were watched by more than 165,000 people on 320 screens in 22 countries. The broadcasts will also feature behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with artists.

For more information, go to http://www.theross.org.