‘Richard III’ revival does the Bard justice

MONARCH & MADNESS: Mark Rylance as Richard III. Photo: Joan Marcus

RICHARD III
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Tim Carroll
Belasco Theatre
111 West 44th Street.
(212-239-6200), www.ShakespeareBroadway.com

 By David NouNou

After seeing some pretty whacked-out Shakespeare earlier this year; from Alan Cumming’s frightful one-man Macbeth to the current gimmicky, twisted revival of Romeo and Juliet, I was dreading having to sit through another one of the Bard’s great works being desecrated. I’m happy to report that Shakespeare has finally been given his just and deserved due by the Shakespeare Globe Co. from England.

Alternating with another Shakespeare classic, Twelfth Night, I got to see Richard III first, and what a glorious production. This is not the conventional, hump-backed, beak-nosed, sneering Richard; this version has given him a comedic side. From his first entrance, Mark Rylance inhabits this Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later to become King Richard the III, as more of a harlequin court jester than the evil incarnate Richard we are familiar with. At times he is even buffoonish. For Mr. Rylance, one of the most fearless actors of the stage, has given us a new interpretation. Yes, he still manages to kill off his brothers, nephews, and most everyone who opposes him or who stands in his way to the ascension to the throne. We know he is doing evil but he does it in a most beguiling way; the transformation to evil incarnate comes much later.

Though Mr. Rylance’s performance would be categorized as unconventional, this production is done in the traditional manner: dialogue, sets, and costumes. Adding to the grandeur is the beautiful, authentic Elizabethan music played by expert musicians. Just as in Shakespeare’s day, men play women’s parts. Samuel Barnett as Queen Elizabeth, whose two young sons are murdered by Richard, is splendid as is Joseph Timms as Lady Anne. Also giving good performances  are Angus Wright as Buckingham and  in the dual role of Hastings and Tyrrell, Paul Chahidi.

I must admit it is an unconventional Richard III, and a lot of credit goes to Tim Carroll for his fast-paced direction and infusing much authenticity from the Shakespearean era. However, I did miss the sinister fear striking-in the-heart-malignant Richard. I could have done with a little less shtick and a bit more venom.

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE: Mark Rylance as Richard III. Photo: Joan Marcus

Tony nominated for Best Drama Actor 2014 – Mark Ryelance

Edited by Scott Harrah
Published November 14, 2013
Reviewed at press performance on November 13, 2013