Get a 1st Look at Danai Gurira, Ali Stroker, More in Free Shakespeare in the Park’s Richard III

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Production Photos Get a 1st Look at Danai Gurira, Ali Stroker, More in Free Shakespeare in the Park’s Richard III

The outdoor production plays Central Park's Delacorte Theater through July 17.

By Michael Wiltbank

July 05, 2022

Ali Stroker, Michael Potts, Danai Gurira, Sanjit De Silva, and Xavier Pacheco Joan Marcus

The Public Theater's Free Shakespeare in the Park began its summer of performances with a production of Richard III starring Danai Gurira in the titular role. Following a schedule delay, previews for the Shakespeare tragedy began June 21 in Central Park's Delacorte Theater. Opening night was June 30, and the production will run through July 17

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.

The ensemble includes Maleni Chaitoo, Thaddeus Fitzpatrick, Skyler Gallun, Sarah Nina Hayon, Matthew Jeffers, Matt Monaco, Xavier Pacheco, Marcus Raye Pérez, Grace Porter, and N'yomi Stewart.

Danai Gurira in *Richard III* Joan Marcus

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.