“Now is the winter of our discontent,” -- and so it was in the performance of the University of Minnesota Duluth’s Richard III, which provided much "discontent" throughout the production.
UM Duluth’s production used the Colley Cibber adaptation, which was the most popularly performed stage version for nearly two centuries. Cibber’s script cut much of Shakespeare’s original lines, and also added original scenes to emphasize Shakespeare’s comedic intentions. UM Duluth also threw material from Sir Thomas More and Raphael Holinshed into the large, Richard III melting pot.
The script follows the tale of the hunchbacked prince, who is determined to become a villain. Much of Richard’s anger stems from his brother Edward’s ascension to the throne. In order to quell his jealousy, Richard decides to take matters into his own crippled hand and kill off every threat to his reigning power.
The production’s only redeeming actor is Richard III, played by Corey Ryan Boe. As the deformed prince, Boe is consistent in his rigid sidestep and menacing voice, making him a captivating villain. This commitment distinguishes him from his fellow castmates, whose emotions are stoic and forced at best.
UM Duluth’s production takes place in a crumbling train station. Multiple tiers and scaffolding comprise the set, but don’t enhance the production. Though director Tom Isbell’s setting idea was creative, it did not play out well, as the scene changes result in no noticeable differences in the set arrangement. Also bothersome is the loud background music, which often completely drowns out the actors.
During the show, audience members have to resist the temptation to yell “off with his head” and are relieved when he is stabbed, not only because the villain is gone, but because the show is over.
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