October 11th, 2022
MANKATO – The season continues next week at Minnesota State University, Mankato Department of Theatre and Dance with the opening of William Shakespeare’s Richard III.
Jealous and unwell, Richard of Gloucester wants to be King of England and uses manipulation and deceit to achieve his goal. He murders his brothers, nephews, and any opposition to become King Richard III. In the end, Henry of Richmond raises an army, kills Richard in battle, and becomes King Henry VII.
Richard III runs Oct. 20-22 and 26-29 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 23, 29, and 30 at 2:00 p.m. in the Andreas Theatre at the Earley Center for Performing Arts, Minnesota State University, Mankato.
This production includes many interesting components, including faculty member John Paul as a disability consultant. The character of King Richard is written to be physically disabled, representing the character’s villainous nature. Paul consulted with the actors to ensure that the embodiment of the characters was handled in a historically accurate way through a modern lens of sensitivity and personal experience. The production also includes original music by student composer Frank Vondra.
Tickets are $17 regular, $15 for seniors ages 65 and older, children under 16 and groups of 15 or more; and $5 for MNSU students. In an effort to make productions more accessible to MNSU students, the department is inviting all Minnesota State Mankato students to the preview on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m.
The Box Office is open 4-6 p.m. weekdays in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center, or buy single tickets online at MSUTheatre.com. The Box Office line is 507-389-6661.