Druid Shakespeare: Richard III

Druid Shakespeare: Richard III

Lincoln Center’s White Light Festival

Gerald Lynch Theater at John Jay College

November 10, 2019

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center's White Light Festival

The U.S. Production Premier of Druid Shakespeare: Richard III is mind blowing.  It is part of Lincoln Center’s White Light Festival.  The company is based in Ireland.  The production is masterfully directed by Gerry Hynes.  Aaron Monaghan brings depth, cunning, and malicious humor to the title role.  He captivates the attention of the audience, dragging them into his murderous rise to power.

Aaron Monaghan as Richard III
Photo courtesy of Druid Shakepeare: Richars III
& Lincoln Center's White Lights Festival

Richard, Duke of Gloucester (played by Aaron Monaghan), plots against his brother, King Edward (played by Bosco Hogan), to gain the throne for himself.  He woos Lady Anne (played by Siobhán Cullen) after brutally murdering her husband and father-in-law.  He then creates a rift between Edward and their other brother, Clarence (played by Marty Rea).  He confines Edward’s heirs to the tower, then arranges for Clarence to be executed.  Once crowned king, Richard must do away with Edward’s heirs and marry his daughter, Elizabeth, to insure his sovereignty.  His bloody reign comes to an end before the marriage can be arranged.

Photo courtesy of Druid Shakepeare: Richars III
& Lincoln Center's White Lights Festival

This company of thirteen phenomenal actors illuminates Shakespeare’s classic with clarity and vigor.  Each character is distinctly drawn, crisply interpreted, and urgently driven.  Every actor portrays their character with stunning conviction, confronting threatening conflict with a myriad of tactics that emotionally engage the audience and enthrall the senses.

Druid Shakespeare: Richard III is playing at the Gerald Lynch Theater at John Jay College through November 23.  You MUST see this production.  Get a ticket today!

Domenick Danza