Richard III is one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays that traces the dark and twisted journey of a power-hungry monarch. The production, currently running at New York’s American Airlines Theatre, directed by Sam Gold, brings this classic to life with a contemporary touch.
Richard III tells the story of Richard Gloucester (Andrew Garfield), a hunchbacked member of the royal family who wants nothing more than to sit on the throne. He sets out on a murderous path to eliminate any obstacle that stands in his way, including his own family members.
Garfield gives an outstanding performance as Richard III; he captures the character’s cunning and deceitful nature perfectly. From his first soliloquy until his final moments on stage, Garfield manages to keep the audience engaged and invested in Richard’s fate.
The supporting cast also deserves commendation for their performances. They add depth and complexity to their characters, making them feel like real people rather than just plot devices. Susan Brown delivers an impressive portrayal of Queen Margaret, whose curses act as a catalyst for much of what happens throughout the play.
Gold’s direction is another highlight of this production. He has made some bold choices that might not have worked in other productions but work seamlessly here. For example, instead of having actors exit through backstage doors or wings when leaving scenes or dying offstage, they walk off onto elevators built into both sides of Christopher Oram’s set – something I’ve never seen before but found quite effective.
The set design is also noteworthy; it creates an ominous atmosphere from beginning to end with its towering walls and dim lighting that highlights each scene beautifully without being too distracting. Credit must also be given to costume designer Kaye Voyce for her intricate costumes which transport us back in time while still feeling modern.
One major departure from Shakespearean tradition was casting women as some male characters such as Lord Hastings played by Hannah Cabell – although it might be jarring at first, it soon becomes clear that these changes have been implemented to make the play more inclusive and diverse.
Richard III is a story of greed, betrayal, and ambition, and this production brings those themes to life in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. While some may argue that Shakespeare’s language can be difficult to understand for modern audiences, Gold’s production manages to keep the audience hooked from start to finish through its stunning visuals and strong performances.
Overall, if you’re a fan of Shakespeare or just enjoy great theatre productions in general, Richard III is definitely worth seeing. It’s an ambitious take on a classic that manages to stay true to its roots while still feeling fresh and relevant today.