Education

Richmond Shakespeare Performances

Richmond Shakespeare's trademark productions are exciting and accessible to a modern audience. We take our clue from what Hamlet says to the players, that "the purpose of playing . . . is . . . to hold the mirror up to nature." Although Shakespeare's works were originally written for sixteenth- and seventeenth-century audiences, Richmond Shakespeare strives to show how these plays can be just as exciting and relevant for modern playgoers as well.

How do we do it?
Richmond Shakespeare uses what are called "original practices." Original practices are a range of staging conditions that would have been seen on the Elizabethan stage. These include: " Universal lighting: Plays were performed during the middle of the day because there was no electricity. Under such circumstances, both players and playgoers could see each other. " Interactivity with the audience: Soliloquies were designed to be addressed generally to the audience. Asides were direct comments to them. " Minimal set and props: Shakespeare's troupe played six different plays six days a week. There was no need for a set because the language of the play itself usually provided adequate clues to its visual dimension. " Modern costumes: The actors wore their own clothes, as well as expensive aristocratic dress on occasion. (more about this later)

How does this aid the production?
By stripping away extraneous items we are better able to focus on the power of Shakespeare's words and the actors who bring those words to life. By allowing the actors and audience to share the same theatrical space, we help audiences to understand and enjoy these plays as they were originally intended to be presented. As Richmond Shakespeare audiences can attest, these theatrical techniques make it possible for children of all ages to understand Shakespeare too.

Did we "translate" these plays?
No. The English of Shakespeare's day was modern, though early modern. It just needs a little help from the actors to bring it to life.

Back to the costumes: Did Shakespeare design his plays for the "tights and doublet" look?
No. His actors wore modern clothes ¡ª for them. If the play was Julius Caesar, a toga would be worn over the Elizabethan doublet. Because audiences tend to "tune out" (or laugh) when men wear tights, we rarely use them.

Why modern contrivances?
We sometimes put modern touches--kazoos, cell phones, iPods--in these plays to add a comic touch. Shakespeare's plays themselves contain numerous anachronisms, which are often used for comic effect.

Sometimes there are only five actors. Why?
Shakespeare's troupe often used four men and a boy when it toured to wealthy patrons' houses or to inn yards in rural towns.
The five-actor method is truly actor and story driven. Because all actors play multiple parts, the focus goes from the major characters to the story itself. The actors serve as characters, musicians, and master storytellers as they "play" out the story for the audience.

Richmond Shakespeare performance offerings:

• Richmond Shakespeare Festival
  An Elizabethan playwright at a Tudor manor house ¡ª 2 months of bardy, bawdy fun!
  Staged outdoors in the outer courtyard of historic Agecroft Hall, the Festival has become a Richmond summer tradition. Each night is a feast for the senses: moonlight, magnolias, and plays from the greatest playwright in the English language make for an event worth remembering. Bring a picnic for pre-show enjoyment on the grounds of Agecroft.
  Tickets are available at www.richmondshakespeare.com or 1-866-227-3849.
• Richmond Shakespeare Theatre
  Shakespeare all year 'round!
  Staged in the Elizabethan-styled chapel of Second Presbyterian Church in downtown Richmond, our indoor season gives us a chance to explore more plays in an even more intimate setting. Enjoy English fare at Penny Lane Pub right across the street.
  Tickets at www.richmondshakespeare.com or 1-866-227-3849.
• Richmond Shakespeare ON TOUR
  Taking it on the road.
  Productions of Richmond Shakespeare Theatre as well as staged readings are available to travel to schools, parks, auditoriums, and anywhere that will meet our production requirements. These productions last 90 minutes, include no intermission, and involve five actors playing all the roles. This unique and fascinating performance method brings out the best of Shakespeare. Accommodating and affordable, these productions are perfect for small communities and far-flung locales that wouldn't normally be able to book Shakespeare performances.
  Tour performances for 2006-07:
  A Christmas Carol for Two Actors, Nov 30-Dec 23.
  Christopher Marlowe's Dr. Faustus, Feb 1-24.
  Twelfth Night, Mar. 9-31.
  

Shakespeare for Entertainment ,