Richard III at Shanghai Art Theatre

The victory in the war makes Edward the King of England, and the majesty and glory of the throne ignites the jealousy and ambition of the hero in the war, Duke of Gloucester. Driven by greed, the Duke first frames his brother George Clarence, sweeping the first impediment, and ingratiates with and marries the Lady Anne, another step to usurp the throne. He then devises the scheme to win the trust and support of the Duke of Buckingham, Lord Hastings, and Lord Stanley, provoking their hatred for Edward IV.

Following the death of Edward IV, his son, Prince of Wales, returns to London for the throne. Again, the sophisticated Duke of Gloucester devises plots to lock the young prince in the Tower of London, cheat the public, and slaughter his opponents. Finally, he is crowned as Richard III.

Having ascended to the throne, Richard III, in disregard of moral virtues, does everything to satisfy his whims and imperiously betrays his supporters, soon revealing all features of tyranny. The throne, as always, accepts all tyrants and soon sends them to the guillotine of the history…

The Earl of Richmond sends his troops to fight now the utterly isolated Richard III. At the night of the final fight, Richard III sees the souls of all his victims. Among merciless condemnation, accusation, and reproach, he can do nothing but desperately wails: a horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse…

Richard III dies at the sword of the Earl of Richmond with his sword.

Now a new King ascends to the throne…

The throne and power will never change; what changes is the men to it in succession.

Authors

• William Shakespeare