Riverland Theatre brings a modern adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Richard III to the stage in its third production of the season.

The play is a gripping exploration of ambition, power, and the consequences of corruption to those who seek gains for their personal benefit. Richard of Gloucester shares his every move with the audience as he begins his unscrupulous climb to the top. This charismatic tyrant manipulates and murders his way to governing. He promises, charms, and encourages as he disposes men and conquers women. The York family comes to realize that although they might have fought to reach the safety of leadership, their most lethal enemy is among their own party.

Susan V Hansen directs her adaptation. John Deyo is the Technical Director and Designer. The costumes are by Jannel Howard, and the Stage Manager is Melissa Johnson. Richard III features a company of 26 performers.

“Shakespeare wrote according to his time. To make this universal story of gaining power accessible, the concept is adaptable to our current time throughout the globe,” said Hansen who also adapted the script. “It is about people who have power, who want power, who surround themselves with power, and the consequences of those actions on everyone. Shakespeare allows Richard to share his plots with the audience which makes us both enthralled and appalled.”

In reference to her adaptation Hansen said, “I cut some archaic references and lengthy explanations, cut and combined some characters, changed war references to confrontations and debates, and updated some of the archaic language without losing Shakespeare’s brilliant poetic exchanges.”

Richard III will be performed on February 26, 27, 28, and March 1 at 7 p.m. and March 2 at 2 p.m. in the Frank W. Bridges Theatre on Riverland’s Austin Campus. Individual tickets to Richard III are $13. Tickets are currently on sale at www.riverland.edu/tickets 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The online ticketing system allows customers to pay by Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover. The on-campus box office will be open for in person sales in the theatre lobby one hour prior to each performance. Riverland students receive two free tickets with a valid student ID. Contact the box office at 507-433-0595 or by emailing boxoffice@riverland.edu. 

Riverland Theatre strives to provide quality productions that are entertaining and challenging to both the audience and the artists.  Because we reach such a diverse audience, some audience members may find some subject matter, language, or situations objectionable. If you have concerns about a specific production, we encourage you to become familiar with the material before attending the performance.

Riverland’s Theatre Department is a high-energy performance-oriented program. Plays produced vary from classical tragedy to modern comedy and from full-scale large cast musicals in intimate small cast plays. Students are encouraged to get involved in all areas of theatre production including, but not limited to, acting, stage managing, set building and painting. Strong academic offerings provide challenges in and out of the classroom.