Shakespeare - Richard III - performance analysis

Part ofEnglishRichard III

Performance analysis

There are many different ways to interpret and perform Shakespeare’s plays. Watch the videos and decide how you would perform the three scenes from Richard III.

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Scenes to explore

Richard III is a play full of manipulation, murder and ghosts. In Shakespeare’s day, the stage would have been bare, the props few, and the lighting would depend upon the weather. Theatres were open air and the plays were held in daylight.

Nowadays, Shakespeare’s plays are interpreted in many different ways on stage and screen. Directors and their production teams make choices on how they want to stage the play and how the characters will deliver their lines. The decisions they make can often change how the audience think and feel about the play and the characters in it.

Let’s look at three scenes and explore the possibilities for an exciting and unforgettable performance of Richard III.

  • Act 1 Scene 1 – Casting Richard
  • Act 3 Scene 7 – Rehearsing Richard being offered the crown
  • Act 5 Scene 3 – Staging the procession of ghosts
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Act 1 Scene 1 – Casting Richard

When you read Act 1 Scene 1, how do you imagine Richard? Is he dressed in a traditional royal costume or does he wear something with a modern twist? Does his appearance really frighten dogs, or is this an exaggeration?

'Richard III' - How would you cast Richard?

In this video a group of actors are auditioning to play the part of Richard. As you watch, consider the following:

  • how the audience would react to these different interpretations of Richard
  • how to portray Richard’s physical impairment
  • how Richard would interact with other characters in the play
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Act 3 Scene 7 – Rehearsing Richard being offered the crown

In this scene, Buckingham sets up a propaganda sideshow to get the public and the Lord Mayor behind Richard. Richard pretends that he is too busy praying to discuss the possibility of being crowned king in place of his nephew. Should the joke be apparent between Buckingham and Richard? Do the bishops look scared? Is the Mayor frightened witless or totally gullible?

'Richard III' - How would you rehearse the scene where Richard is offered the crown?

In this video a group of actors are rehearsing this scene and the director is trying out different ways to perform it. As you watch, consider the following:

  • how the audience should feel about Richard during this scene
  • how you’d make it clear who’s in on the joke
  • how the other characters should react to Richard
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Act 5 Scene 3 – Staging the procession of ghosts

How do you stage this scene that takes place the night before the battle of Bosworth when Richmond and Richard settle down in their respective camps? The ghosts have to quickly move between each camp, so you can’t keep switching scenes…or can you? In film, you could have a split screen. Is the same effect possible on stage? Could you build up the set in some way to show that there is space and distance between the two camps?

'Richard III' - How would you stage the procession of ghosts?

In this video a group of stage designers are pitching ideas on how to stage this scene. As you watch, consider the following:

  • how much the staging idea would cost
  • how long it would take to set up during a live production
  • how the audience would react
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