The countdown is on for compelling Richard III at Maynardville

10 Jan 2019

Rehearsals have started and the countdown is on to the much-anticipated production of Shakespeare's historic dark comic tragedy, Richard III. It will be presented at the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre in Wynberg, Cape Town from 7 February-9 March 2019, it is directed by Geoffrey Hyland and stars award-winning actor Alan Committie in the title role.

Alan-Committie in Richard III - photo by Maggie Gericke

Committie was recently seen in The Fugard Theatre’s production of David Mamet’s hard-hitting two-hander Oleanna, and award-winning Shakespeare director Hyland returns to Maynardville after the triumph of Twelfth Night (2017).

Explosive, action-packed

Richard III is an explosive, action-packed tragedy and one of the Bard’s greatest tales. In this riveting story about the infamous hunchback, the audience joins the roller coaster ride of the brutally brilliant and seductively charming Richard of Gloucester as he stages one of the most calculated power grabs of all times to become the new king of England.

Joining Committie are Anthea Thompson as Queen Margaret, Lee-Ann van Rooi as the Duchess of York, Andrew Laubscher as the Duke of Buckingham, Bianca Mannie as Lady Anne, Cassandra Mpanda as Queen Elizabeth, Sanda Shandu as Richmond, David Viviers as Lord Hastings, with Cape Talk’s John Maytham as Lord Stanley. Other members of the ensemble include Matthew Bobby Stuurman, Tailyn Ramsamy, Damon Munn, Tafara Nyatsanza, and Sam Alexander.

Costume design is by Ilka Louw, set design by Geoffrey Hyland and Bridie Birdy, lighting design by Faheem Bardien, and sound design by Bernard Kotze.

“Shakespeare's musings on self-interested power and twisted ambition continue to resonate today,” says Hyland. “Richard III is the timeless and universal story of the rise and fall of one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling and charismatic villains. Through rumour, fake news, and false narratives; with a devilish wit and fuelled by revenge; Richard aims at the crown and destroys all who stand in his way including those closest to him.”

The production forms part of the second Maynardville Open-Air Festival, featuring a programme of music, dance, comedy, and more, under the stars. Gather your friends, pack a picnic and soak up the magic that is the Maynardville experience.

Richard III is presented by Alan Committie, Siv Ngesi, and Simon Cooper, in association with the Maynardville Open-Air Theatre Trust and Liquidmatch Productions, and supported by Artscape Theatre Centre.

Richard III will run Monday to Saturdays from 7 February until 9 March 2019 at 20.15pm. Tickets cost from R150 to R220.

Bookings can be made at Computicket on 0861 915 8000, online at www.computicket.com or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet.