Richard III

In Richard III, one of William Shakespeare's plays, Shakespeare invites us on a moral holiday. The play draws us to identify with Richard and his fantasy of total control of self and domination of others. Not yet king at the start of the play, Richard presents himself as an enterprising villain as he successfully plans to dispose of his brother Clarence. Richard achieves similar success in conquering the woman he chooses to marry. He carves a way to the throne through assassination and executions.

But Richard also meets resistance, most threateningly from Queen Margaret, widow of King Henry VI, whom he killed before the play's beginning. Margaret issues a stream of curses, including one on Richard.

Gradually, the curses are fulfilled, suggesting the curse on Richard may come true, too. Increasingly, the play directs our sympathies away from Richard. His supporters desert him; his victims pile up. We may begin to share in the desire for vengeance voiced by Margaret.

Shakespeare is thought to have written Richard III in 1592-94. It was published as a quarto in 1597. A major source is Sir Thomas More's The History of King Richard III.

Productions at the Folger

• Richard III (Folger Theatre, 2014)
• Richard III (Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, 1998)
• Richard III (with the Travelling Shakespeare Company, 1995)

Helen Hayes Award

Nominations: "Outstanding Choreography, Resident Play or Musical" for Brad Waller

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: s5r - t2v

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: s1r - v4v

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

First Quarto

LUNA: First Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22314

Fourth Quarto

LUNA: Fourth Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22317 Copy 1

Fifth Quarto

LUNA: Fifth Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22318 Copy 1

Sixth Quarto

LUNA: Sixth Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22319

Seventh Quarto

LUNA: Seventh Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22320 Copy 1

Eighth Quarto

LUNA: Eighth Quarto

Hamnet: STC 22321 Copy 1

Modern editions

Richard III can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2003 copy 2 v.19

Notes

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