Director’s Note

In 1623, two actors from Shakespeare’s Company published one of the most important books in the history of western theater: the First Folio, the first collected edition of Shakespeare’s plays. In 2023, this auspicious 400th anniversary year, we are exploring not only this play, but the theatrical process through which the text on the page became the play on the stage. After some incredible voice and movement training this past spring, the ensemble gathered for the first time this Sunday, July 9. Our mission was both simple and profoundly complex: build a very strong ensemble in six days and create a contemporary, imaginative, and entertaining Richard III together. During this week, we have been astonished by the contemporary relevance of this play, it seems like it has been written for our time. Using original rehearsal practices, firmly grounded in movement work and ensemble development, we are excited to share with you what we have found and how this play speaks to us. You, the audience, are our final ensemble member. Thank you for sharing this time and space with us.

Ariana Karp, Artistic Director