Shakespeare’s Richard III set for Maynardville

Shakespeare’s Richard III makes its way to Maynardville’s open-air theatre next month, with theatre-lovers in for a treat courtesy of a cast comprised almost entirely of University of Cape Town (UCT) graduates.

Directed by Geoffrey Hyland, associate professor in the Centre for Theatre, Dance & Performance Studies in UCT’s Faculty of Humanities, Richard III is an explosive action-packed tragedy that promises to enthral. So, rally the troops and book your tickets now.

The story, believed to have been written by Shakespeare in 1593, centres on Richard of Gloucester’s most calculated power grab to become the new king of England.

“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,” Hyland said.

“Richard III is the timeless and universal story of the rise and fall of one of Shakespeare’s most thrilling and charismatic villains.”

UCT alumni

The production stars award-winning actor and UCT alumnus Alan Committie along with 13 other cast members, all but one of whom are UCT graduates. The 14th cast member is a Rhodes University alumnus.

Joining Committie on stage 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, and Cape Talk’s John Maytham as Lord Stanley.

Other cast members include Matthew Bobby Stuurman, Tailyn Ramsamy, Damon Munn, Tafara Nyatsanza and Sam Alexander.

The show will run from Monday to Saturday, 7 February to 9 March, with tickets priced from R150 to R220.

The production forms part of the second Maynardville Open-Air Festival, featuring a programme of music, dance and comedy under the stars. Don’t forget to take along a blanket in case it gets chilly, and pack a picnic basket with treats to enjoy during the performance.