Montford Park Players to present Shakespeare play as steampunk opera

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

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Press release here:

The Montford Park Players have never performed Richard II in their 40 year history. Now they are presenting the tragedy in grand form as a steampunk opera. Montford Park Players’ production combines the political upheaval of King Richard’s reign and the social upheaval of the industrial revolution to create a world of grotesque beauty that gives resonance to Shakespeare’s words. Civilization turns on its head as Richard’s flowery ancestral court falls, and a new group of young technologists rise to power.

Unusual for Shakespeare, the play is written almost entirely in verse and features what are considered some of Shakespeare’s most beautiful metaphorical soliloquies on nature and politics.

Based on the life of King Richard II of England (ruled 1377 – 1399), this is the first play of a tetralogy, often called the Henriad. It is followed by three plays concerning Richard’s successor, Henry IV – Part 1, Henry IV – Part 2, and Henry V, all of which are familiar to Montford audiences from past performances. This is a chance to see the beginning of it all. This is a chance to see the Montford Park Players’ first ever production of Richard II.

As always, the Montford Park Players summer performances are free to the public.

Richard II runs Friday through Sunday, August 24th – September 15th, at the Hazel Robinson Amphitheatre in Asheville. More information can be found by calling (828) 254-5146 or online at http://www.montfordparkplayers.org

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Jason Sandford

Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville.

  • 1

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2 Comments

  1. Michele August 5, 2012

    Very excited about this! Asheville needs more Steampunk

    Reply

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