Richard III
Friday, August 16 – Sunday, Sept 1 (Past)
7:30 pm (No Mondays)
All performances were FREE.
The suggested donation is $30 per person. We encourage and gratefully accept donations.
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Plan your visit
Elm Shakespeare Company's 29th annual summer production, Richard III, directed by Rebecca Goodheart, Elm’s seasoned Producing Artistic Director, is set to be a landmark event at the Alexander Clark Playhouse Stage in Edgerton Park, running from August 16th to September 1st. Goodheart, with over two decades of experience in directing, acting, and teaching Shakespeare, will explore the role society plays in creating villains and the cost of political violence on us all. This year’s production features Lisa Wolpe, an internationally renowned theater artist known for her groundbreaking work on Shakespeare and gender, in the title role of Richard. Wolpe's involvement brings a unique depth to the character, offering audiences a new perspective on the classic play. Her innovative approach to gender in theater juxtaposed to a traditional medieval setting, promises to be a production that continues Elm Shakespeare's tradition of bringing thought-provoking and accessible Shakespeare to New Haven.
Creative Team
Director - Rebecca Goodheart
Sound Design – Nathan Roberts
Lighting Design – Jamie Burnett
Starring – Lisa Wolpe* as Richard
*denotes member of Actors’ Equity Association
The War of the Roses Explained
The Story of Richard III
It is 1480 and there is momentary peace in the War of the Roses. The Yorkist Edward IV is on the throne, supported by his two remaining brothers: George, Duke of Clarence and Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Little does he know that Richard – shaped by years and years of war -- is determined to gain the crown of England for himself.
He organizes the murder of his brother George, Duke of Clarence, by spreading rumors, which put George in the Tower of London. Next, he woos Lady Ann, in spite of having killed her husband and father-in-law who was the Lancastrian King Henry the 6th.
When the current king, Edward IV dies, Richard places the young sons of Edward in the Tower and consolidates his power with the help of Buckingham. Together, they start killing anyone who opposes Richard’s ascension, including the Lord Chamberlain, Hastings, and the queen’s brother, Rivers. Through political theatrics, Buckingham also gains the support of the London’s Lord Mayor and his followers.
Richard is crowned King, but it is not enough. He has the two young princes killed in the Tower of London. He kills the children of his brother Clarence. He kills Ann, his wife – so that he can be free to marry his niece, Edward IV’s daughter – all to strengthen his position on the throne.
Buckingham has had enough and wants out, asking for the lands Richard has promised him. When Richard denies them, he tries to raise an army against Richard, but is captured and executed.
Edward’s widow Elizabeth, however, has a plan. She secretly negotiates a marriage that will unite her daughter with Henry Tudor, Earl of Richmond, and the heir to the Lancastrian bloodline.
Richmond, makes war on Richard at Bosworth field. On the eve of the battle, Richard is haunted by the ghosts of his victims. He is killed in the battle and Henry Tudor unites the York and Lancastrian houses by marrying young Elizabeth, ending the War of the Roses. He is Henry VII of England and the first Tudor King.