Date of Award

Spring 2007

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Fine Arts: Acting

Department

Theatre

First Advisor

Donnell Walsh

Second Advisor

Larry Quiggins

Third Advisor

Ann Canale

Abstract

There are a few roles in theatre that are considered a Mount Everest of acting. It's no surprise that Shakespeare created several of these steep and treacherous climbs. Richard ill, as created by Shakespeare, provides all the stage death-defying challenges an actor could ever hope for, if the ultimate goal is to push one's ability to the maximum. There is a rich history of past productions, some of them legendary, to intimidate the actor from the start. There are the obligatory deformities to contend with, sending some actors to a chiropractor's table for the remainder of their lives. There is the sheer volume of words, second only to Hamlet in the Shakespeare canon. And there is the ominous possibility of putting every ounce of courage and skill into a performance of Richard III and falling short. Every actor faces this last possibility in any performance. But, there is implied arrogance when an actor takes on Richard III, and the audience may be a little less inclined to forgive.

So, why do it? Everything that makes Richard III difficult makes the playing of this role irresistible. Any actor worth his character shoes wants a chance to embody evil, and Shakespeare has made Richard devilish, as well as seductive, bitter, witty, a warrior, a brilliant conniver and ambitious to the extreme. And that's just in Act I. This thesis will chronicle my path to Richard III from start to finish. Many before me have trekked up the mountain that is Richard III, but no one will have taken my exact path. I learn from the experience of those who came before me but I am determined to make my own way and claim this particular path for me alone. See, a little touch of arrogance.

Download

Included in

Acting Commons

Share

COinS