Shakespeare's 'Richard III' Takes the Alma College Stage
Alma College Theatre launches its 2008-09 season with a performance
of one of the most popular of William Shakespeare’s English history
plays.
“Richard III” is the story of the villainous Richard, Duke of
Gloucester, as he murders and manipulates his way to the throne of
England.
The performances take place at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 9 through
Saturday, Oct. 11 and 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12 in the Strosacker Theatre
of the Remick Heritage Center at Alma College. Tickets are $10 for
adults, $5 for seniors 62 and up, and free for Alma College staff,
students and youth 18 and under. Seating is reserved. Call (989)
463-7304 for ticket information.
“This is one of Shakespeare’s most theatrical plays from his earlier
works; it’s almost over-the-top with its level of intensity,” says Joe
Jezewski, faculty director and associate professor of theatre. “Richard
himself is a bloody villain.”
The play features a cast of 16 actors and actresses, with most playing multiple roles. Planning began last spring.
“The cast began looking at the play visually in August with pictures
and models of the time period to gain an idea of what costumes were
used and what the set should look like,” says Jezewski.
Combat scenes and speaking a different kind of language add challenges,
says Jezewski. Students learn these and other acting skills in classes.
“The reason we do productions like this is for students to practice
what they learn in class,” says Jezewski. “Productions are the
laboratory for the classes.
“There are five first-year students in the play and students from all
different disciplines,” adds Jezewski. “Every actor, regardless of
major, is expected to give the same amount of effort and time resulting
in an educational process for everyone,” he says.
Other performances in 2008-09 include the annual “One-Act Play
Festival” Nov. 21-23, “The Curious Savage” by John Patrick Feb. 12-15,
2009, and “The Good Doctor” by Neil Simon April 2-5, 2009.
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Posted: Thu, October 2nd, 2008 at 11:06AM
