BWW Review: RICHARD II at Southwest Shakespeare Company
Richard II was crowned King at a young age and his immaturity ultimately causes his downfall when his Crown is threatened by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke.
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RICHARD III at Southwest Shakespeare Company
Dates: 10/10/2026 - 10/24/2026
📍 Theatre: Southwest Shakespeare Company
One East Main Street
Mesa, AZ
Phone: 480-644-6500
Tickets: $25–$70
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SOUTHWEST SHAKESPEARE LAUNCHES 2026-27 SEASON WITH
SHAKESPEARE’S RICHARD III, THE ORIGINAL POLITICAL THRILLER AND
RICHARD III
October 10-24, 2026, at Mesa Arts Center, Southwest Shakespeare Company (SSC) will share a story of extreme ambition, calculated betrayal and murder as a path to power in what may well be the original political thriller, William Shakespeare’s Richard III. Richard III was King of England from 1452-1485—the last king of the Plantagenet dynasty and the House of York. His death marked the end of the Middle Ages in England. This new production directed by Beau Heckman will be classically set, with period costumes and sets, and exciting battles.
Richard is a brilliant but ruthless political schemer who manipulates, betrays, and murders his way to the English throne, only to be undone by the very ambition that fuels him. The play explores power, propaganda, and moral corruption while unveiling one of Shakespeare’s most electrifying villains—creating theater that is gripping both as psychological drama and political thriller.
SSC’s Artistic Director, Keath Hall, plays the title role, and former SSC Artistic Director Debra Ann Byrd returns to portray two powerhouse roles, Queen Margaret and the Duchess of York. They are joined by a stellar cast of players and production designers, working together to bring Valley audiences a thrilling exploration of power, morality, and the lengths one man will go to claim the crown.
All performances of Richard III will be at Mesa Arts Center, One East Main Street in Mesa. For more information about this play or the company visit www.swshakespeare.org. Ticket prices start at $53 and generous discounts are available for students, educators and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at www.mesaartscenter.com
Authors
Ages: High school and older
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Where is Southwest Shakespeare Company located?
Southwest Shakespeare Company is at One East Main Street, Mesa, AZ.
What shows have played recently at Southwest Shakespeare Company?
MOBY DICK (03/20/26-04/04/26)
HENRY V (02/14/26-02/21/26)
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THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (02/07/26-02/22/26)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (08/08/25-08/10/25)
See more shows at Southwest Shakespeare Company
HENRY V (02/14/26-02/21/26)
Page & Paige: An Evening of Song & Story (02/13/26-02/13/26)
THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR (02/07/26-02/22/26)
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE (08/08/25-08/10/25)
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