Continuing its season of “The Downfall of the Despots,” Actors’ Shakespeare Project (ASP) kicks off 2018 with Richard III, William Shakespeare's stunning portrait of Machiavellian genius and the murderous quest for absolute power. Under the direction of Resident Acting Company member Robert Walsh***, the original “game of thrones” comes alive in an intimate staging at the Swedenborg Chapel (50 Quincy Street, Harvard Square, Cambridge) thru March 11, 2018. For more information visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.
“I am thrilled to circle back to Richard III, ASP’s inaugural production in 2004,” says Walsh. “The timeliness of the play couldn’t be stronger–abuses of power today are as pronounced as Shakespeare imagined them in 15th century England. I look forward to telling a story with more than 65 characters–and just six actors–in the setting of an English Gothic style chapel, and how Shakespeare’s language will resonate in that space."
In Richard III, the titular character spares no time revealing himself as a cunning, charismatic, and heartless tyrant who will stop at nothing to secure England's crown. The end of the civil “Wars of the Roses” promises a period of peace for the nation, until the death of Richard’s newly crowned brother, Edward IV. Seizing opportunity, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, schemes to become king by seduction, betrayal, and any means necessary. Twisted inside and out by discontent, and ruthless in removing anyone he deems obstacles to the throne, Richard hurtles the court and the country farther into moral decline and military destruction. Ultimately, his abuse of power sets the stage for a new hero to rescue England, and a new house to reign.
The cast features Resident Company Members Steven Barkhimer* (Richard III), Jennie Israel* (Margaret, Brackenbury, King Edward, Ratcliff), Paula Plum* (Queen Elizabeth, murderer 1, Lord Cardinal, young Duke of York, Norfolk), Mara Sidmore* (Anne, Catesby, Grey, Duchess of York) Michael Forden Walker* ( Buckingham, Clarence, Stanley) and Deaon Griffin-Pressley* (Hastings, Richmond, Tyrell).
The production team includes Deb Sullivan** (lights), Miranda Kau Giurleo (costumes), Abby Shenker (props), Lindsay Colleli (movement director) and Marsha Smith* (stage manager).
About ASP
Actors' Shakespeare Project is an award-winning professional theater company with a Resident Acting Company and extensive education, youth and community programs. ASP performs and works in found spaces, schools, theaters and neighborhoods to present and explore the robust language, resonant stories, and deeply human characters in Shakespeare's plays and in works by other great playwrights. Our work is ensemble-based and focused on intimacy, storytelling, language, relationships, voice, risk and artistry within and throughout the Boston area. For more information visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.
*A Member of the Actors' Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists Local 82
***Member of the Society of Stage Directors & Choreographers, Inc., an independent national labor union.
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