By snoadmin
The Garage Theatre’s modernized production of “Richard III” is a stunning Shakespearean drama for the heartless, pretentious art lover, but it is certainly not for the faint-hearted.
For anyone unfamiliar with William Shakespeare, this play is a dramatization of the rise and fall of Richard III. After marrying Lady Anne, Richard sets about his plan to murder anyone who stands in the way of his ascent to become King of England. However, his brother Clarence has a terrible dream; an omen of Richard’s downfall.
This performance of Shakespeare’s play, directed by Amy-Louise Sebelius, is a direct adaptation but with a modern-day twist. The visuals are an anachronistic fusion of the grunge, preppy and professional outfits with Jack Daniel’s and cocaine. Some actors wore suits and argyle vests to symbolize their high social status, while others wore plaid and leather to show their commoner status.
The front row audience laughed at the irony portrayed in the play through the characterization of Richard III. Richard III’s Machiavellian principles reflect his maliciousness, even though the royal family loves him. Played by Matthew Anderson, Richard III is the only character that consistently interacts with the audience through his asides and facial cues.
Beneath the terrace were curtains that covered rooms in which a thin layer of cloth acted as the silhouette of slain victims. The gruesome visuals were let to the audience’s imagination, except for the slain head of Hastings brought in a bag dripping with blood.Although the play features plenty of characters who act more like Seth Rogen, Kendra Wilson and Perez Hilton, they deliver their lines like A-listers. Some give especially tearful performances.
The most provocative and mystifying scenes weren’t from the sexual liaisons or killing sprees, but through the dreams that haunted Richard III. In these scenes, the common people gathered on stage like protesting zombies, bringing an effervescent aura of mysticism. They wore tie-dyed sweaters and wore pantyhose over their faces, like avant-garde aliens, foreboding the tragic end to the villainous boar.
For the English literature aficionado, the Shakespearian language is a dream come true. For those who don’t understand the dynamics of it, it can turn out to be a “Midsummer” nightmare that could possibly put one to sleep.
No matter how modernized it was, whether by adding shimmer, throwback tracks or drugs and alcohol, the story always untangles back to its main ingredient of Victorianism. “Richard III” is a gruesome play worth seeing.
The play will run until Oct. 24. The Garage Theatre is located at 251 E. 7th St. For ticket information call 866-811-4111, or visit the theatre’s Web site at www.thegaragetheatre.org.
