03/28/11

Story by Peggy Graham

'Richard III'

Plot of intrigue comes to life in JCCC's 'Richard III'

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Johnson County Community College’s music and theatre department presents Shakespeare’s Richard III at 7:30 p.m. April 28-30 and May 6-7 and at 2 p.m. May 8 in Polsky Theatre of the Carlsen Center. Admission is free and open to the public.

After a long civil war between the royal family of York and the royal family of Lancaster, England enjoys a period of peace under King Edward IV and the victorious Yorks. But Edward’s younger brother, Richard, resents Edward’s power and the happiness of those around him. Malicious, power-hungry and bitter about his physical deformity, Richard begins to aspire secretly to the throne — and decides to kill anyone he has to in order to become king. This is the familiar story as written by William Shakespeare. JCCC’s music and theatre department, however, will produce a more modern spin on this classic play.

"Civilization, as we know it, has collapsed. All is chaos and rubble," said the play’s director, Beate Pettigrew, assistant professor, theater, JCCC. "he only survivors possess self-preservation skills and the mental prowess to swiftly assess power centers and to re-align their allegiances accordingly. A brief period of peace (such as it is) under King Edward IV has been disrupted as, once again, malicious and power-hungry players jockey for position. This is the world of our Richard."

For more information, e-mail Pettigrew or call her at 913-469-3245.

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