| Richard II Opens Wednesday Amidst Election Season – A Timely Shakespearean Reflection | |
| Last Edit: Official_Press_Release 12:08 pm EDT 09/09/24 | |
| Posted by: Official_Press_Release 12:04 pm EDT 09/09/24 | |
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| SMITH STREET STAGE PRESENTS TIMELY ADAPTATION OF SHAKESPEARE'S RICHARD II AT THE MARK O'DONNELL THEATER, SEPTEMBER 11-28 Brooklyn's Smith Street Stage, committed to presenting Shakespeare's classic stories in new and accessible ways, will present William Shakespeare's Richard II at The Mark O'Donnell Theater, September 11-28. This rarely produced play explores the delicate balance between tradition and change, power and morality—themes as relevant today as when the play was first written in 1595. Richard II follows the story of King Richard, whose divine right to rule is challenged by his popular cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. As the play unfolds, the audience is invited to grapple with complex questions: Is it ever justified to remove a leader from power, and at what cost? Does power inevitably corrupt, regardless of who wields it? In an era marked by intense political polarization and questions surrounding leadership, Smith Street Stage's production offers a fresh lens through which to examine our own political landscape. "Every day, the news seems to present us with an unprecedented moment," says Jonathan Hopkins, the company's Artistic Director. "I think this play can help us reflect on what we're living through." While Shakespeare named his history plays after the reigning monarchs at the time of the events, Richard II carries the weight of a tragedy. The titular character is brought low by a mix of personal flaws and unavoidable circumstances, making the play as much about human frailty as about the shifting tides of power. Director Katie Willmorth, a long-time collaborator with the company, brings her unique vision to a cast that blends seasoned actors with exciting new talent. The production's approach to the text is both faithful and innovative, inviting the audience to engage with Shakespeare's language while also being surprised by new interpretations. The play resonates deeply with contemporary audiences, particularly in a year where the presidential election dominates the news cycle. Much like King Richard, who was expected to continue his rule by tradition, modern leaders face similar expectations. The parallels between Richard's fate and recent events in American politics are striking, yet Richard II remains a timeless exploration of the consequences of leadership challenges. "Our company's mission is to examine power structures and reveal Shakespeare's ongoing relevance," adds Hopkins. "This production is a powerful example of that mission in action." PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE Smith Street Stage presents Richard II from September 11-28, with performances every Wednesday through Sunday. Preview performances are scheduled for September 11 and 12. Showtimes are at 7:00pm on Wednesday through Saturday, and 2:00pm on Sundays. TICKETS AND VENUE DETAILS: Tickets start at $25 and are available at https://www.smithstreetstage.org/playing-now In the spirit of accessibility, performances on September 18th and 25th will offer a pay-what-you-can option for audiences. The Mark O'Donnell Theater at the Entertainment Community Fund is located at 160 Schermerhorn Street, in downtown Brooklyn, accessible by A, C, F and G trains. REPERTORY NOTES: Richard II (1595) Written by William Shakespeare Directed by Katie Wilmworth Assistant Directed by Alexandra Haddad Composed by KP Kristin Sgarro Stage Management by Amanda Reynoso Assistant Stage Management by Tala Munsterman Set Design by Lucas A Derigolamo Prop Design by Eric Cipriaso Lighting by Yiyuan Li Run time: 130 minutes Smith Street Stage presents a fresh adaptation of Shakespeare's Richard II, exploring the turbulent reign of an unpopular king whose divine right to rule is challenged by his ambitious cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. This rarely produced play delves into themes of power, loyalty, and the consequences of political upheaval. As the kingdom teeters on the brink of chaos, the story's timeless relevance to today's political climate becomes strikingly clear, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of leadership and the fragility of authority. ### ABOUT SMITH STREET STAGE Starting with a five-actor adaptation of Romeo and Juliet in 2010, Smith Street Stage has always looked for new ways to tell classic stories. Since that inaugural production, the company has grown to hiring over 40 artists a year, performing for thousands of audience members, receiving New York Innovative Theater Awards across multiple seasons, and bringing full productions of critically acclaimed shows to theaters throughout the city. We believe that easily accessible productions of plays produced at a high artistic level can transform audiences' relationship with great literature and enrich their sense of humanity. The company's foremost principle is that classical texts are not elitist, and that an expert production will be deeply meaningful and broadly accessible. Our artistic choices aim to close any perceived distance between the Shakespeare and our audience. In rehearsals we focus on the human event of each scene, rooting each actor in the recognizable and sympathetic humanity of the play's people. Focusing on relatable human dilemmas renders these works accessible to everyone without diminishing their complexity. Smith Street Stage began with a mission to demystify the classics. Over thirteen years the company has achieved a loyal audience, found broad public support, and developed a specific way of rehearsing and crafting our shows. The company's work continues to distinguish it as a distinctive and important theatrical voice. |
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