Under the rule of the House of York, the blissful times of peace seem to be returning to England. The War of the Roses now appear as nothing more than a memory, beautified by the passing of time. However, the sudden death of King Edward IV shatters this seeming idyll: his brother, Richard, sets his sights on the throne of England. Thanks to his sharp political instincts, he keeps both allies and enemies firmly in his grasp. He does not shy away from fratricide—or even from spilling the blood of innocent children (his own nephews) — if they pose a threat to his power. We witness the rise and fall of a singular tyrant whose twisted figure cast a shadow over the history of medieval England. This timeless imprint of Shakespeare’s creative genius not only refuses to fade with time but, unfortunately, grows ever more relevant. It teaches us about the mechanisms of power and tyranny, the eternal dialectic of human cruelty and vulnerability—and ultimately, about humanity itself.
Richard III is the latest installment in a long-running directorial program that includes multiple productions. With live music woven into the dramatic narrative, this staging offers a unique theatrical experience — a true concert show for the audience. This time, world-famous American rock hits from the 1970s resound on stage, with the band’s frontman becoming the singing alter ego of the bloody-handed Richard III.
Director: István Albu
