National Theatre of China: Richard III

Shakespeare’s tale of ruthless ambition is reinvigorated through an exciting adaptation utilizing kung fu and acrobatics in addition to traditional Chinese stagecraft, masks and music to create a world where madness aches for power.

“It scores for its intense confrontations and for a fascinating, mercurial villainy that needs no translation” THE ARTS DESK (UK)

Richard, the deformed Duke of Gloucester, lies, murders and cheats his way to the throne of England as he systematically slaughters his enemies, allies and family. As the Wars of the Roses rage on around him, his mind and his power start to disintegrate, until his final deadly encounter with the Duke of Richmond at the Battle of Bosworth.

This production of Shakespeare’s wicked horror-show of power and paranoia, was an audience favorite and critical hit during London’s Globe to Globe Shakespeare Festival and Cultural Olympiad in 2012. Performed in Putonghua, or Mandarin, with English supertitles, the play’s fundamental themes of desire, power, ambition and jealousy, are potent reminders of humanity’s ongoing struggles. National Theatre of China’s US premiere of Richard III reveals the new face of 21st century Chinese theatre.

YOUR PASSPORT TO CHINA!

The PASSPORT TO CHINA offers the best deal on NYU Skirball’s VISIONS + VOICES: CHINA SERIES! The $150 Passport Package includes an orchestra seat to each of the five separate performances, a ticket to the film screening of The Piano in a Factory, and a $50 contribution to support NYU Skirball’s commitment to presenting cutting-edge international performances. (A value of more than $280)

Related Events:PANEL DISCUSSIONShakespeare Around the WorldMarch 4, 3-6pmThe Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Avenue (at 82nd Street)

Shakespeare experts and scholars to discuss Shakespeare’s universality and omnipresence in contemporary culture as well as the Chinese adaptation of Shakespeare’s classic, Richard III.

Panelists:Cecilia Rubino, Assistant Professor of Theater, The New School (moderator)Tom Bird, Executive Producer, Shakespeare’s GlobeJenna Dioguardi, BFA Drama Candidate, Tisch School of the Arts, NYUJames Shapiro, Professor of English, Columbia University/ Shakespeare Scholar in Residence, Public TheaterKatherine Schaap Williams, Assistant Professor of Literature, NYU Abu Dhabi

CONVERSATIONMarch 27, Post-8PM performanceWang Xiaoying, Director & Vice President of The National Theatre of ChinaLuo Dajun, Script Editor, Dramaturg

Q&AMarch 28, post-performanceWang Xiaoying, Director & Vice President of The National Theatre of ChinaZhang Donglei and Zhang Xin, company’s leading actors

Q&AMarch 30, post-performanceWang Xiaoying, Director & Vice President of The National Theatre of ChinaZhang Donglei and Zhang Xin, company’s leading actors