Richard II by William Shakespeare

Actors’ Shakespeare Project continues its 12th season in the new year with Richard II, one of Shakespeare’s most lyrical and epic plays, February 17-March 13, 2016, at YMCA Central Square, Cambridge.

Written entirely in verse, Richard II is a compelling and provocative study of a king and his nation, caught in the upheaval of social change and political turmoil. Directed by ASP Artistic Director Allyn Burrows, the beautiful poetry of Richard II tugs at the heart, unflinchingly charting the descent of one leader and the meteoric rise of another. The prize in this battle of personalities is the crown of England, and the future of the nation hangs perilously in the balance.

“Shakespeare’s history plays are a blast to do under any circumstances because, contrary to what many people may think, they’re immensely personal,” says Burrows. “Richard II is a thoroughbred: beautiful language, searing political acrimony, raging familial antipathy and some irony thrown in for good measure.” He adds, “We’re thrilled to be back in Central Square for this run, in the intimate setting of the YMCA theatre, and we believe audiences unfamiliar with the play will be surprised at what a rich and immediate story Shakespeare has crafted.”


The seven-member cast features members of the Resident Acting Company as well as guest artists. Doug Lockwood* (King Richard II), Marya Lowry* (Duchess of York), Paula Plum* (Queen), Michael Forden Walker* (Henry Bolingbroke, Duke of Hereford, son to John of Gaunt; afterwards King Henry IV), and Robert Walsh* (Duke of York, uncle to the King). The additional cast features Lewis D. Wheeler* (Mowbray/Henry Percy) and Malcolm Ingram* (John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, uncle to the King).

The designers include Janie E. Howland** (Scenic Designer), Daniel H. Jentzen (Lighting Designer), Tyler Kinney** (Costume Designer), and Arshan Gailus (Sound Designer).

Performance Schedule

Regular Performances: Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 pm; Saturdays at 3 pm & 8 pm; and Sundays at 2 pm with post-show discussion.

Tickets
Tickets are $28-$50 ($15 student rush) and can be purchased at actorsshakespeareproject.org and OvationTix at 866.811.4111 or at the theater, although selection may be limited. Senior discount tickets are $3 off regular price.
Groups of 10+ may reserve seats for select performances via ASP’s Patron Services at 617.776.2200 x225 or groups@actorsshakespeareproject.org.

About ASP
Actors’ Shakespeare Project is an award-winning professional theater company with a Resident Acting Company and extensive education, youth and community programs. ASP performs and works in found spaces, schools, theaters and neighborhoods to present and explore the robust language, resonant stories, and deeply human characters in Shakespeare’s plays and in works by other great playwrights. Our work is ensemble-based and focused on intimacy, storytelling, language, relationships, voice, risk and artistry within and throughout the Boston area. For more information visit actorsshakespeareproject.org.

*A Member of the Actors’ Equity Association, the union of professional actors and stage managers in the United States.
**Member of United Scenic Artists Local 82