Shakespeare's


Adapted by Tristan Ross

Indyfringe Building - 1/08/2010-1/24/2010

"Now is the Winter of our Discontent"   No Holds Bard Productions presents Richard III. Shakespeare's most ruthless villain, Richard, battles to obtain and retain the crown. Slaughtering relatives, friends and enemies alike Richard finds himself in an unsuccessful attempt to defy fate. This minimal, deconstructed production focuses on the atrocities perpetrated by Richard and the juxtaposition of Richard's character (that true Machiavellian nature opposed to the humble friend and lover he presents). Tristan Ross, who adapted the play, describes it as, "Non-tights-and-doublet-epic-Shakespeare; this should get back to base Shakespeare with ink under his fingernails.  I want to see people connecting on stage.  I want the violence ultra-violent." With only seven other actors to play the remaining fourteen roles Ross says, "This program, being 'fringey', is to exemplify the edginess of Shakespeare; in this case specifically, the hostility. I adapted the script to be universal and more contemporary. The characters all represent duality and I've done my best to make it as much of an ensemble piece as possible; that is, reducing Richard and strengthening the rest. The duality is a reflection on Richard's dual nature.  Every character is cast with a double.  For instance, one actor will play Elizabeth and Hastings. Elizabeth is compassionate, sympathetic, and aware of Richard's treason. Hastings is competitive, vindictive, and believes Richard is her ally." So, as Richard says, "I am determined to prove a villain/And hate the idle pleasures of these days./Plots have I laid..." Watch your back... Richard Gloucester is coming...