Drama
The Play: Richard III
In his drama Richard III , William Shakespeare created a work of art, rather than of historical accuracy, and created the central character as a physical and psychological monster. He was writing at a time (late 16th century) when the Tudor dynasty had been on the throne for over a century and who would censor plays of which they did not approve. A play which vilified the last Plantagenet King was bound to find favour.
Productions of the play are true to the text, even when this runs counter to historical accuracy, and lead actors find different ways to represent Richard’s alleged physical condition on the stage. Shakespeare does not give his lead actor any break from start to finish and the adoption of a physical deformity on stage by an able bodied actor has resulted in the need for physiotherapy long after the run. More recently there has been a push to cast disabled actors in the role
See the full text of the play with extensive commentaries.
The Royal Shakespeare Company: explore resources on all Shakespeare’s “history” plays.
Interpretations of Richard by different actors
Anthony Sher wrote a book on his process of interpreting the role of Richard.
Benedict Cumberbatch emphasizes the alleged spinal deformity.
Adam Hughes reveals his ‘withered’ arm.
Mark Rylance plays Richard III for comedy.
Articles and video clips of the BBC’s adaptation of the Wars of the Roses plays: The Hollow Crown.
What we Know From the Real Richard’s Skeleton
We now know from examination of his skeleton and from contemporary sources that the physical appearance of the real-life Richard was grossly misrepresented by Shakespeare. Richard III had scoliosis, his spine was curved to one side rather than vertical as in most young people. Richard would not have appeared deformed. He was able to ride a horse and fight as any knight fro horseback or on foot as he demonstrated at the battles of both Barnet and Twekesbury aged 18.
How Shakespeare developed the character of Richard III in two prequel plays: Henri VI Parts 2 & 3.
Analysis of Shakespeare’s Henry VI Parts 2 and 3 will appear here soon.
Links Between Characters in Shakespeare’s 15th century History Plays
The Shakespeare’s Words website has lots of interesting features for exploring the plays (you can only look at 20 pages for free, then there is a subscription). This page shows the relationships between the characters in Henry VI Pt 2.
Selected Reading
Shakespeare’s Kings, John Julius Norwich (Faber & Faber, 2018)
Year of the King, Antony Sher (Nick Hern Books, 2004).
