‘Arts’ District Concept Production of ‘Richard III’
Enci | Jun 09, 2012 | Comments 0 |
Richard III
LOS ANGELES – Combining visual and performance art on stage together in a masterful artistic concept production of Shakespeare’s “Richard III,” the Archway Theatre in the heart of the Downtown LA Arts District explores the human psyche as a canvas with performances June 8 through June 24. Actors use multi-colored paints on stage in conjunction with their dialogue to represent the marks left on the human soul through each interaction with others.
“We wanted to explore the extra depth and understanding that color gives to language, and the lasting imprint that dramatic moments have on the characters in the story,” said artistic director Steven Sabel.
Sabel is also the founding artistic director of the Redlands Shakespeare Festival. Actors in the cast of the production recently completed performances with this season’s repertory festival.
“We’re pleased to be able to bring these talented actors back together for this artistic and unique version of this production in this intimate, black-box setting,” Sabel said.
The cast of 11 actors portrays more than 20 different characters, often becoming a fresh “canvas” during the production by stripping off painted garments in exchange for new ones. Two paint stations on either side of the stage serve as locations where the actors make their color choices before interacting with the other characters through Shakespeare’s play about the rise and fall of the famous hunchback King Richard.
“Watching the deception, manipulation, murder and mayhem playout as the actors also become human canvases and moving art objects adds a level of visual context to the story that sucks you in,” said Sabel.
Performances of “Richard III” are held at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings, and 2 p.m. Sunday matinees. Tickets are $15 general admission.
The Archway Theatre is located in the heart of the Downtown LA Arts District at 305 South Hewitt St. The theatre is surrounded by popular Arts District eateries, and is just a short walk from the First Street Gold Line Metro Station.
For additional information visit: www.archwayla.com or call(213)237-9933.
Filed Under: Press Release
