Shakespeare's Richard II takes the Skidmore stage

(Click here to read Post-Star critic Bob Rose's review.)

The Skidmore College Theater Department will present seven performances of William Shakespeare?s The Tragedy of King Richard II. The play, which was first performed during the reign of Britain?s Queen Elizabeth I, traces the interplay of raw power and court politics, war, and intrigue in a struggle for the succession to the throne of England.

Performances will take place Nov. 14?16 and Nov. 20?23 in the college?s Bernhard Theater. All performances will begin at 8 p.m. except Sunday matinees, which begin at 2 p.m. General admission will be $10, and $7 for students and senior citizens. For information, call (518) 580-5431.

Directed by guest artist David Demke of Shakespeare & Company, Richard II traces the rise and fall of one of England?s more tyrannical monarchs. The unpopular Richard bankrupts his country and banishes his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke, who later returns and deposes him to become King Henry IV. Richard II is the first of four Shakespearian plays depicting the history of British kings Henry IV and V.

Eminent theater critics suggest that the ?tragedy? of Richard?s downfall lies in part in his belief in the divine right of kings?the notion that a monarch chosen and guided by God is not subject to human frailty and can do as he pleases with his subjects. The future King Henry IV represents a more modern view of the throne, one in which not only bloodlines but also intellect and political savvy contribute to the makings of a good king; Henry Bolingbroke?s ability to relate to and speak with the middle and lower classes help him to take the throne. The Skidmore production will feature 18 student actors, some taking multiple roles.

Guest director David Demke is the associate director of training for the critically acclaimed 30-year-old Shakespeare & Company. Based in Lenox, Mass., the company performs the plays of Shakespeare as well as new works of social and political significance, and puts considerable artistic emphasis on the training of actors. The Skidmore student actors performing under Demke?s direction will experience the Shakespeare & Company method of using ? not only their voices and their bodies with a daily regimen of demanding classes, but also delving deeply into their own imaginations, intellects, and emotional lives.?

In his position at Shakespeare & Company, Demke organizes, runs, and teaches in the company?s acting workshops. He has performed in productions of Enchanted April, Merry Wives of Windsor, King John, The Taming of the Shrew, Comedy of Errors, The Fly Bottle, Summer, The Scarlet Letter, and The Millionairess. Company productions he has directed include The Turn of the Screw, Two Gentlemen of Verona, and Richard III.