The Folger Shakespeare Library and our publishing partner, Simon & Schuster Audio, hope you enjoy these excerpts from our audio performance of Shakespeare’s Richard III. This production was performed by the professional actors of Folger Theatre, in consultation with the editors of The Folger Shakespeare. The Folger Shakespeare Richard III audiobook is available on a wide variety of audiobook platforms.
Act 1, scene 1
Synopsis:
Richard, alone onstage, reveals his intention to play the villain. He then pretends to console Clarence, the first victim of this villainy. After Clarence is led off toward prison, Richard greets Hastings, who tells him that King Edward is very ill. Richard, once again alone onstage, outlines his plan to have Clarence killed and to marry Lady Anne.
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Act 1, scene 2
Synopsis:
Richard woos Lady Anne over the corpse of King Henry VI, Anne’s father-in-law, whom Richard murdered.
Act 3, scene 4
Synopsis:
A council of lords meets to plan the coronation of Edward V. Richard, learning from Buckingham of Hastings’ refusal to support them, accuses Hastings’ mistress of witchcraft and orders Hastings’ execution. Hastings, led off to his death, remembers Stanley’s warning dream and Margaret’s curse.
CAST
Richard III—Drew Cortese
Ratcliffe/Friar—Andrew Criss
Lovell/Friar—Daniel Flint
Hastings/Tyrell—Sean Fri
Richmond/Rivers—Michael Gabriel Goodfriend
Duchess of York—Nanna Ingvarsson
Queen Margaret—Naomi Jacobson
Lady Anne—Alyssa Wilmoth Keegan
Edward/Mayor/Norfolk—Paul Morella
Queen Elizabeth—Julia Motyka
Buckingham—Howard W. Overshown
Clarence/Catesby—Michael Sharon
Stanley—Richard Sheridan Willis
All other parts were played by members of the cast
Creative Team
Robert Richmond—Director
Beth Emelson—Producer
Eric Shimelonis—Sound Design and Music Composition
Katharine Pitt—Production Assistant
David Polk—General Manager
Adam Stamper and Omega Recording Studios—Recording and Engineering
Music performed by Rebecca Sheir, vocals, and Eric Shimelonis, organ and other instruments.
Michael Witmore—Director, Folger Shakespeare Library
Janet Alexander Griffin—Artistic Producer
Barbara A. Mowat and Paul Werstine—Editors, Folger Editions
Special Acknowledgements: Jenna Berk, Holden and Remy Brettell, Tony Cisek, Daryl Eisenberg, CSA, Shannon Follin, Charles Flye, Mariah Hale, Jim Hunter, Casey Dean Kaleba, James Kramer, Michele Osherow, Emily Marquet, Keri Schultz, Rebekah Sheffer, Edwin Schiff, Emily Tartanella, Adalia Vera Tonneyck, Che Wernsman, Teresa Wood
In partnership with Simon & Schuster Audio