Richard III, presented as part of The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park season, officially opens July 10 following delayed previews which began June 22 and a company opening night June 30. Performances are scheduled to continue through July 17.
Danai Gurira stars as Richard III, joined by Wyatt Cirbus as Prince of Wales, Sanjit De Silva as Buckingham, Sam Duncan as Duke of York, Monique Holt as Duchess of York, Gregg Mozgala as King Edward IV and as Richmond, Paul Niebanck as George, Michael Potts as Lord Stanley, Ariel Shafir as Lord Hastings, Heather Alicia Simmsas Queen Elizabeth, Ali Stroker as Anne, Sharon Washington as Queen Margaret, and Daniel J. Watts as Catesby Ratcliffe.
Included in the ensemble are Maleni Chaitoo, Thaddeus Fitzpatrick, Skyler Gallun, Sarah Nina Hayon, Matthew Jeffers, Matt Monaco, Xavier Pacheco, Marcus Raye Pérez, Grace Porter, and N'yomi Stewart.
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Tony nominee Robert O'Hara (Slave Play) directs the production. The creative team also features scenic designer Myung Hee Cho, costume designer Dede Ayite, lighting designer Alex Jainchill, hair and wig designer Nikiya Mathis, fight directors Teniece Divya Johnson and Jeremy Sample, and movement director Byron Easley. Johnson also serves as intimacy director, Bryan Bauer as production stage manager, and Heather Englander as stage manager. Sound design and composition are by Elisheba Ittoop.
“Richard III speaks to the dangerous machinations that we have witnessed by leaders throughout history, but most acutely in recent years in our own government," shared director O'Hara in a statement. Richard III was last seen on The Delacorte stage in 1990 with Denzel Washington in the title role. Free Shakespeare in the Park's second summer production, Public Works' As You Like It, will begin its run August 10.
For more information, visit PublicTheater.org.