The University of Central Arkansas will present William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, 7 and 8, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 9 in the Bridges Larson Theatre in the Snow Fine Arts Center on the UCA campus.
The production is based on the 1984 Royal Shakespeare Company production starring Anthony Sher, said Chris Fritzges, the play’s director and an associate professor of theatre at UCA.
“That production,” Fritzges said, “was famous for Richard‘s use of arm crutches that gave him a spider-like movement quality and an evil personality that was charismatic, ferocious and energetic; this production draws some inspiration from elements of that show.”
Set in 15th-century England during the War of the Roses between the houses of York and Lancaster, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, envies his brother, King Edward IV. Power-hungry and jealous, Richard aspires to take the throne and is willing to do anything to become king.
“It’s an exciting show set on a distorted chessboard,” said Mikala Hicks, a senior theatre major who plays Richard.
Tickets for the general public are $10 each. UCA students, faculty and staff may receive two free tickets when they present a current UCA ID. Seats for this production are limited. Reservations can be made by calling (501) 450-3265 or by visiting UCA Ticket Central located in the Reynolds Performance Hall box office. More information is available at uca.edu/theatre or by contacting Melissa Pearson, UCA Theatre business manager at melissap@uca.edu or (501) 450-5092.
The UCA College of Fine Arts and Communication includes the Departments of Art, Music, and Film, Theatre and Creative Writing, as well as the School of Communication. The college’s primary mission is the preparation of the next generation of artists, educators and communicators. For more information about CFAC, visit uca.edu/cfac or call (501) 450-3293.
