Globe Theatre Dunedin: Richard II (2019)

The most accessible of Shakespeare’s political plays, a study of a conflicted character that only “Hamlet” eclipses, and some of the most exquisite verse ever written. In an exciting new treatment by Dunedin playwright Keith Scott, with costumes by Charmian Smith, set painting by Chris Vialle, this lavish production was a feast for the mind, ears and eyes.
by William Shakespeare
Opening Night 30 May 2019
Director : Keith Scott
Cast
Richard II King of England Alfred Richardson
Henry Bolingbroke, Richard's Cousin Cheyne Jenkinson
John of Gaunt, Bolingbroke's Father Nigel Ensor
The Duke of York, Uncle To Richard Ray Spence
The Duchess of York Terry MacTavish
Aumerle Daniel Cromar
Northumberland Campbell Thomson
Mowbray Reuben Hilder
Scroop Reuben Hilder
Bushy Thomas Makinson
Groom Thomas Makinson
Bagot Philip Greenspoon
Green Martin Page
Willoughby Rob Stewart
Ross Edward Matthews
Queen Beth Lochhead
Carlisle David Thomson
The Playwright Warren Chambers
Crew
Stage Manager Alison Cowan
Sound & Lighting Design/Operator Brian Byas
General Stage Design Keith Scott
Set Build Ray Fleury
Don Vialle
Set Artwork Design & Creation Chris Vialle
Costume Design & Construction Charmian Smith
Costumier Charmian Smith
Armour Construction Sofie Welvaert
Swords & Scabbards LLoyd Smith
Royal Regalia Keith Scott
Front of House Manager Leanne Byas
Costume Assistant Tamsin Braisher
Helen Davies
Leigh Brusse
Script Adaptation Keith Scott

[@TheReubstar]

Awesome! Thanks so much for posting this wonderful adaption of such an amazing play!

[@hlegler]

I'm super confused. I was going to read along with Richard II, but this lady started talking, not K. Rich and Gaunt. Since I'm new to Shakespeare, I have no idea if this is another play, or a creative interpretation, or if the first 10 minutes were skipped. Someone please explain!! :)

[@scotty503]

Hello Heather. This opening scene of this production is based on scene 2 in the original text with the Duchess of Gloucester. Many productions open RII with this scene as it sets up the background of the Duke of Gloucester's death and Richard's possible implication in it. I also chose to replace the Duchess of Gloucester (this is her only scene) with the Duchess of York, with whom we have a much greater investment in in the play overall. You will also see that many characters have been combined and the order or other later scenes altered. This was done to focus the play as a character study of Richard as a flawed leader and man, rather than an historical pageant. Thanks for watching it!

[@hlegler]

@@scotty503 THANK YOU!! :) Being new to Shakespeare, it's really nice when someone with more background knowledge explains things! I had questions (as I read the play) about why someone would want to dethrone K. Rich, so this alternative opening makes a lot of sense. From what I've read, it sounds like a LOT of creative liberties are taken with Shakespeare. Thanks for your thoughtful reply! :)

[@jonathanhill4892]

@@scotty503 I think Shakespeare knew what he was doing. The proper opening scene dramatically presents the cause of the whole tragedy that is to unfold. Then the subsequent scenes do much to explain the background. To my thinking this present way of doing things weakens the dramatic impact and confuses the viewer. To have some of the explanation before the event is simply the wrong way round.

[@g.l.3276]

Would you please add the ENGLISH SUBTITLES????