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The Leeward Theatre’s Richard III (photo by Melany McAngus)

Envy, betrayal and murder surface as the spirit of King Richard III comes back to life in The Leeward Theatre’s Richard III at Leeward Community College. Directed by theatre instructor Ashley DeMoville, the play is part of Leeward CC’s Semester of Shakespeare events.

Cast of Richard <abbr><figcaption id=III” width=”300″ height=”253″ class=”size-full wp-image-44607″ /> The Leeward Theatre’s Richard III (photo by Melany McAngus)

Ghostly incarnations

After a long civil war between the royal family of York and the royal family of Lancaster, England enjoys a period of peace under King Edward IV and the victorious Yorks. But Edward’s younger brother, Richard, resents Edward’s power and the happiness of those around him. Malicious, power-hungry and bitter, Richard begins to aspire secretly to the throne and decides to kill anyone he has to in order to become king.

This is Shakespeare’s Richard III like you have never seen before. Following a centuries long sleep under a car park in England, the spirit of King Richard III awakes when he is pulled from the earth, bringing a warning to those who wish to follow in his footsteps.

About Semester of Shakespeare

The Leeward CC Semester of Shakespeare is an annual series of workshops and lectures dedicated to deepening and animating students’ and the public’s engagement with the works of William Shakespeare. This year the literature and theatre faculty have teamed up and organized events around Shakespeare’s history play Richard III.

To kick things off Betty Burdick, Leeward CC Theatre instructor and veteran actor and director, will present a lecture titled “Prove a Villain” on Tuesday, March 29, 1:30–2:45 p.m. in BE-108. During this lecture, Burdick will examine Shakespeare’s representation of Richard III against archaeological evidence made available by the recent rediscovery of the maligned monarch’s remains under a church parking lot in Leicester.

DeMoville will be facilitating a workshop on what is involved when directing a play. “Staging Richard” will take place on April 12, 1:30–2:45p.m. in the Leeward Lab Theatre (TH3). Learn how the choices you make about the way to play a scene affect the interpretation. ‘Staging’ doesn’t just mean the set or stage itself; it’s everything you do onstage to bring the drama to life. Come see how alternate staging, cutting, and acting affect the meaning in a piece.

Show details

The Leeward Theatre presents Richard III on April 14–16 and April 21–23 at 8 p.m. in the Leeward Lab Theatre. Tickets can be purchased at the box office (opens at 7 p.m.) or online through The Leeward Theatre website.

Ticket prices

  • $15 general admission
  • $10 Leeward CC students

This production contains adult themes and images. Audience discretion is advised.

For more information, contact The Leeward Theatre at (808) 455-0380.

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