The
Hollywood Reporter
Richard III
Feb. 05, 2002
By Ed Kaufman
Of all Shakespeare's villains, Richard III (once the Duke of Gloucester)
is certainly the most enigmatic. Crippled at birth, the Machiavellian
Richard is a complex, dazzling blend of intelligence, irony, wit,
bravado and sheer chutzpah -- a real spinmeister.
"Richard III," Shakespeare's last chronicle play is being
presented in Los Angeles by the Odyssey Theatre and Circus Theatricals,
and it is staunch, sturdy and well done. Jack Stehlin is a first-rate
Richard as he speaks to his audience in a series of soliloquies and
invites us to join him in his treacheries. Somehow we are beguiled
as he lays out his daring plan to usurp the throne of England. We
go along just as easily as do the other enchanted characters within
the play.
Written in 1592-93, "Richard III" culminates in the Battle
of Bosworth Field, where the Earl of Richmond (from the house of Tudor)
slays Richard, from the house of York. "A horse, a horse, my
kingdom for a horse," cries the doomed crookback in one of the
Bard's best-remembered lines.
"Richard III" is awash with royalty, treachery, accusations,
secrets and curses as the feuding Yorks struggle for the throne among
themselves. Credit Jaret Sacrey for the simple set (three flexible
wooden columns on an uncluttered stage), Emelle Holmes for the updated
costumes, Tim Kiley for the effective lighting and video design and
Paul Taylor Robertson for the sound.
Casey Biggs' lucid direction is swift and deft -- and full of rich,
memorable Brechtian techniques, especially as a series of ghostly
figures visits sleeping Richard on the eve of his battle with Richmond.
Only now the ghosts are projected on a large screen.
Alfred Molina is wonderful as Richard's cohort, the cold, calculating
Duke of Buckingham -- a perfect foil for the villainous, volatile
Richard.
Add strong support by a large and talented ensemble: Strawn Bovee,
John Ross Clark, Jill Gascoine, Steve Irish, Allison Marich, Dean
Nichols, Adam Paul, Eric Pierpoint, Joel Polis, Robertson and Neil
Vipond.
RICHARD III
Presented by Odyssey Theatre Ensemble and Circus Theatricals
Credits: Playwright: William Shakespeare; Director: Casey Biggs; Scenic
designer: Jaret Sacrey; Lighting and video designer: Tim Kiley; Sound
designer: Paul Taylor Robertson; Costume designer: Emelle Holmes.
Cast: Duchess of York: Strawn Bovee; Stanley/Earl of Rivers: John
Ross Clark; Queen Elizabeth: Jill Gascoine; Lord Hastings: Steve Irish;
Lady Anne: Allison Marich; Duke of Buckingham: Alfred Molina; Sir
William Catesby: Dean Nichols; Lord Grey: Adam Paul; King Edward IV:
Eric Pierpont; Duke of Clarence: Joel Polis; Earl of Rivers: Paul
Taylor Robertson; Richard III: Jack Stehlin; Queen Margaret: Neil
Vipond. |
