The Tragedy of Richard III
Richard Duke of Gloucester, youngest brother of King Edward IV, will stop at nothing to get the crown. He first convinces the ailing King that the Duke of Clarence, his elder brother, is a threat to the lives of Edward's two young sons. Edward has him imprisoned in the Tower of London; killers in Richard's pay then drown Clarence in a barrel of wine. When news of Clarence's death reaches the King, the subsequent grief and remorse bring about his death. Richard is made Lord Protector, with power to rule England while his nephew (now King Edward V) is still a minor. Before the young king's coronation he has his two nephews conveyed to the Tower, ostensibly for their safekeeping. Richard's accomplice, the Duke of Buckingham, then declares the two boys illegitimate and offers Richard the crown, which after a show of reticence he accepts. After Richard's coronation, he and Buckingham have a falling-out over whether or not to assassinate the two children.
Insights
Plot Summary
This adaptation of William Shakespeare's play follows the Machiavellian rise and fall of Richard III, the Duke of Gloucester. Driven by ambition and a deformed physique, Richard plots and murders his way to the English throne, only to be ultimately defeated at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Critical Reception
This BBC television adaptation of Shakespeare's 'Richard III' is generally well-regarded for its fidelity to the text and strong performances, particularly Mark Rylance's intense portrayal of the titular king. While perhaps not as visually grand as some film versions, its theatrical focus and commitment to the language are often praised.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its faithful adaptation of Shakespeare's text.
- Mark Rylance delivers a compelling and disturbing performance as Richard.
- Captures the intense theatricality of the play.
Google audience: Audience reception for this specific 1983 adaptation is not widely documented on Google reviews. However, general audience appreciation for televised Shakespeare often highlights the accessibility and strong acting.
Fun Fact
Mark Rylance, who plays Richard III in this production, is a renowned Shakespearean actor and has since portrayed the character again in other acclaimed productions, including a 2016 film adaptation directed by himself and starring Benedict Cumberbatch.
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