Richard III, with Disabled Actor as Star, Begins July 11

By: Jun. 06, 2007
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Nicu's Spoon will present the Premiere Production in their new theater space, Shakespeare's Richard III, directed by Heidi Lauren Duke. Richard III will play a three-week limited engagement at Spoon Theater, (38 West 38th St. 5th Floor). Performances begin Wednesday, July 11 and continue until Sunday, July 29. Opening Night is Wednesday, July 11 (8 p.m.).

Richard III "seeks to gain the throne from his elder brother, Edward, by any means necessary including murder, marriage, and fratricide. But aside from Edward, his other brother (Clarence) and Edward's two young sons also stand between Richard and the crown of England," state press notes.

Richard, who describes himself as 'rudely stamp'd' and 'deformed, unfinish'd,' who cannot 'strut before a wanton ambling nymph,' is played by Henry Holden, a disabled actor who struts his stuff with arm crutches. As Richard responds to the anguish of his condition with an outcast's credo: 'I am determined to prove a villain / And hate the idle pleasures of these days.' Both Richard and Holden are powerful men and play against the stereotype of disability as weak.  Holden is Richard III, they are not evil men, it is the disability that is viewed as the evil."

The production features scenic design by Victoria Roxo, costume design by Nicu's Spoon, lighting design by Steven Wolf and assistant direction by Russell Waldman. Sarah Gromko is the sound designer, Stephanie Barton-Farcas is the fight choreographer, Bonnie Jean Hilton is the production management intern, Julia Berman is the stage manager and Robin Woodruff is the stage management intern.

Tickets are $18 and are now available online at www.Theatermania.com or by calling 212-352-3101. Tickets may also be purchased in-person at the door. Do call us at our company number, 646-299-5345 for special access needs so we may be best prepared to serve you.

For season passes available now and for further information, please e-mail info@spoontheater.org.

Photo of Henry Holden by Trinidad MacAuliffe


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