www.rsc.org.uk/whats-on/richar... Stage footage from Act 1, Scene 1 from the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of Richard III. Part of the World Shakespeare Festival Jonjo O'Neill as King Richard III.
Is there such a thing as "nailed" when it comes to Shakespeare? Asking a 21st centruy man to be a 15th century man using the words of a 16th century playwright is impossible. All we can do is say, "I like it for this reason or that" but can never be sure it is what the writer had in mind.
@@J.B24 - His body language, to me, is entirely consistent with that of the character that Shakespeare depicts, so I like it for that reason - it's not a question of reading Shakespeare's mind or asking an actor to become an historical figure, it's only a matter of interpreting the text as written. Shakespeare himself didn't care nearly so much about historical accuracy as dramatic structure, so even he wasn't asking his contemporary actors to become historical figures. In our times, it's hard for many actors to get out from under the shadow of Olivier while doing Richard III but, here, the angle seems to be more about mockery of circumstance than just simple malice, and it's an interesting take. As with Hamlet in his play, Richard is the character to be trusted to tell the truth to the audience, and the determination to be a villain lays out all the mayhem to come.
This was amazing when I saw it. He captivated the audience so well. Was and still is the best play I've ever seen. I was buzzing afterwards- simply incredible!
Incredible interp... Jonjo O'Neill is brilliant. Hugo Glendinning...a visionary. 1st time that someone playing Richard 3 actually chilled me... Sir Ian, was FABULOUS...don't get me wrong. But this actor, so completely fleshes out the character in this first impression/opening monologue! Love love love! Wonderful... Kudos again to the Royal Shakespeare Company!
Sadly Antony Sher's BRILLIANT performance from 1984 is not on tape. I saw him in Stratford and he was SO good, words fail me. He was a bit like this...sexy and bitter and wicked but I loved him! It is my major regret that it was never filmed at all. But that is just because the technology wasn't there at the time.
What an exciting performance and how lovely to hear the Ulster accent, conceivably nearer to the language as spoken in Shakespeare's time. It workd very well.
Incredible performance Brought the play alive with such deep feeling. This is a taster, the whole play was superb. Still the best play i've ever seen. Jonjo really delivers. RSC, Why oh why did you not record the production.
I saw this fantasic production friday night, and it was utterly amazing! I didnt know the story or characters until I saw the production. So it was new and fresh for me. But it made me enjoy it even more since I didnt know what to expect! I would deffiantly go and watch it again! :D
Interesting departure from some of the meter. Where is the rest of the monologue? In the stage version, does he come back and finish telling of the plan? Quite arresting.
Brilliant. I'd love to see the whole play with this actor. How was he with the crutches or did he use any? My very favourite piece of Shakespeare. I saw Antony Sher do this back in the early 80's. Oh I must get back to England to see an RSC production.
I have seen maybe all English versions, going to the roots to understand better in my native language, french, this one is in my top 3... bref j’suis pas spécialiste ni exégète de ce bon vieux Bill, mais j’adore! Continue mon gars et n’écoute pas les critiques... comme dit mon père la critique est facile mais l’Art est difficile !
I saw Antony Sher doing this too! I remember how nimble he was, throwing himself around the stage on crutches. I'd LOVE to see this performance though, esp. close up where you can see the depth of his character, the madness in his eyes and his incredible facial expressions. what talent. Chilling Richard the III.
I don't think he really understands what Richard was supposed to feel in this monologue. It seems he's too busy trying to creep you out than actually portray a more living character.
Scoliosis gave him a hunchback or crookback. Notice his left shoulder is higher and he's bent over a bit? He was also said to have a withered hand or arm, hence the glove. (Although in real life, not signs of problems with his hand were found on his skeleton.)
Scoliosis gave him a hunchback or crookback. Notice his left shoulder is higher and he's bent over a bit? He was also said to have a withered hand or arm, hence the glove. (Although in real life, not signs of problems with his hand were found on his skeleton.)
Someone clearly believes Richard III was to be played as parody of a Jared Leto version of the joker. Shakespeare in this speech goes on to explain how Richard was to be portrayed by having him say, "And if King Edward be as true and just As I am subtle, false and treacherous" - this guy plays him as a laughing maniac rather than subtle, false and treacherous. I would of left the theatre and demanded my money back
his performance is very good yet there is this one thing for I dont think that Ritchard and the Joker are a like he is trying to fuse Heath Leadger's Joker with his performance, brilliant idea and good work to bring it alive but that doesnt fit Ritchard, He is a royal member.
This sort of seems like Heath Ledger's version of The Joker is playing Richard, much about his eye movement, facial expressions, and intonation remind of of Ledger's Joker. Seems like this fellow is trying a bit too hard to me edgy and evil.
If the RSC were putting this on now, then the character would be played by a black guy. I probably shouldn't be giving them "ideas", though, following their track record with Hamlet and Julius Caesar.
Good god. I don’t want to offend the artist portraying the title character, but this was an abysmal performance. There’s so much wrong here, I could not finish watching. I don’t understand all the glowing reviews. I don’t know how much acting experience he has, but he could certainly do a lot better (and, I hope he continues to develop and improve himself as an actor.) I know I certainly have my own obstacles to overcome, as well; and, I would be grateful to receive some honest, constructive criticism. He seriously needs to work on timing and not playing to the camera. He also needs to move around more. This just didn’t seem natural to me. Just the same, I wish him well in his future endeavors.
