Brooklyn’s Smith Street Stage will present William Shakespeare’s Richard II at The Mark O'Donnell Theater from Sept. 11 to Sept. 28.
The play explores the delicate balance between tradition and change, power and morality. Richard II follows the story of King Richard, whose divine right to rule is challenged by his popular cousin, Henry Bolingbroke. As the play unfolds, the audience is invited to grapple with complex questions: Is it ever justified to remove a leader from power, and at what cost? Does power inevitably corrupt, regardless of who wields it?
Smith Street Stage's production offers a fresh lens through which to examine our own political landscape.
“Every day, the news seems to present us with an unprecedented moment,” says Jonathan Hopkins, the company’s artistic director. “I think this play can help us reflect on what we’re living through.”
While Shakespeare named his history plays after the reigning monarchs at the time of the events, Richard II carries the weight of a tragedy. The titular character is brought low by a mix of personal flaws and unavoidable circumstances, making the play as much about human frailty as about the shifting tides of power.
“Our company’s mission is to examine power structures and reveal Shakespeare’s ongoing relevance,” said Hopkins. “This production is a powerful example of that mission in action.”
Director Katie Willmorth brings her unique vision to a cast that blends seasoned actors with exciting new talent. The production’s approach to the text is both faithful and innovative, inviting the audience to engage with Shakespeare’s language while also being surprised by new interpretations, according to a press release.
Tickets start at $25 and are available at https://www.smithstreetstage.org/playing-now. In the spirit of accessibility, performances on September 18th and 25th will offer a pay-what-you-can option for audiences.
