First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
- Martin Niemöller
This is a Director’s Note in the program with this quotation. Niemöller was a Protestant pastor who became a public figure against Adolf Hitler during World War II, and this particular excerpt has widely spread ever since. Levy’s use of Niemöller’s words now speaks to the universality of William Shakespeare’s play, and the reality that his tale not only spoke to the political atmosphere of his time, but also to our own past and present.
Muse of Fire presents Richard III
Written by William Shakespeare and directed by Jemma Alix Levy, the famous and tragic history play follows Richard (powerfully acted by Muse of Fire Company Member Jon Beal), a villain intent on becoming King of England. As he slowly climbs to power, the audience witnesses his slow take over and corruption of the political landscape, making (and breaking promises) to those that will help him secure the crown through murder and forced marriage. Shakespeare’s text is full of heartbreak, secret alliances, and family drama, making it a story that is exciting to watch unfold.
Shakespearean Production at its Roots
It is often said that a Shakespearean play requires nothing more than the language and a group of strong actors, and Levy’s approach—in this writer’s view--certainly proves that statement true.
There is no set – the artistic team simply relies on the performance space, which for this particular production was Ingraham Park, and the two tall, arching trees that happen to provide a useful natural structure. Costume and Prop Designer, and Muse of Fire Company Member, Alexis Carrie provides simple pieces that help differentiate between characters but at its core, Muse of Fire’s production relies purely on the ensemble’s command of the language. From the moment Beal enters the stage, there is excitement.
Clever Staging
At the top of the play, Richard enters with the famous Shakespearean lines “Now is the winter of our discontent.” In this moment, Beal runs through the arch of the trees and delivers his opening monologue. As he does so, he slowly contorts his body into Richard’s hunchback shape. The transformation almost looks painful. We get to marvel at the journey of an actor becoming a frightening villain.
Later, when Richard has climbed higher towards his goal of total power, ghosts of those he has murdered appear in white faceless masks, unsettling us to great effect.
Well-Acted and Relevant
Levy’s play relies solely on the strength of the actors, and Beal proves early that he is up to that challenge.
From this writer’s perspective, it's the ability to use language by the entire ensemble coupled with the choice of emphasizing language over lavish set design is what sets this production apart. For example, Muse of Fire Company Member Annelise Dickinson as Elizabeth, the widowed wife of the murdered King Edward, and Rebecca Joy Fletcher, the mother of the late King, share a scene in which they compare their varying levels of grief. The two women stand on either side of the “stage,” and as they describe their newly found loneliness. Without any distraction from a set, we are forced to focus in on the truth of the moment, and the actresses fill the scene with a brutal honesty.
Well-acted and extremely relevant, Richard III makes for a lovely way to spend an afternoon. Unfortunately this production marks the end of a successful decade of free theatre offered by Muse of Fire Theatre Company, but Levy certainly offers an appropriate way to conclude.
RECOMMENDED
Note: This is now added to the Picture this Post round up of BEST PLAYS IN CHICAGO, where it will remain until the end of the run. Click here to read – Top Picks for Theater in Chicago NOW – Chicago Plays PICTURE THIS POST Loves.
CAST
Christian Davis Aldridge… Richmond/Murderer/Scrivener
Jon Beal… Richard/Violence Designer
Annelise Dickinson… Elizabeth/Captain/Vocal Coach
James Dolbeare… Edward/Catesby/Pallbearer
Rebecca Joy Fletcher…. Duchess Ratcliffe
Sonia Goldberg… Clarence/Grey/Lovell
Kevin M. Grubb… Stanley Mayor
Arielle Leverett… Hastings/Messenger
Halie Merrill…. Anne/Ely/Messenger
Elizabeth Rentfro….Margaret/Brakenbury/Tyrrel
Chelsea Rolfes…. Buckingham/Messenger/Pallbearer
Drew Straub…. Rivers/Prince/Messenger
Ann-Claude Rakotoniaina… Understudy
Jordan Goldin…. Understudy
CREW
Jemma Levy…. Artistic Director
JT Nagle… Assistant Director
Megan Chaney… Stage Manager
Alexis Carrie… Costume and Props Designer
Mark Dannenberg Hines… Vocal Coach
WHEN
Through September 9, 2018
Fridays at 7:30pm
Saturdays at 3:00pm and 7:30pm
Sundays at 3:00pm
WHERE
Ingraham Park
Behind the Civic Center at 2100 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
Note: Friday, August 24 and Saturday, August 25, the performances will be held at Evanston Public Library
1703 Orrington Ave.
Evanston, IL 60201
TICKETS
FREE!
For tickets and information, visit the Muse of Fire Theatre website.
Photos: Factor Photography / F. David Roth.
About the Author:
Lauren Katz is a freelance director and dramaturge, and new to the Chicago Theatre Scene. She recently moved from Washington DC, where she worked with Mosaic Theater Company of DC in Company Management, as well as directed around town with various theaters.
Click here to read more Picture this Post stories by Lauren Katz.
Save
The photos used in this article were taken by Factor Photography / F. David Roth.
Thank you for the correction. More, congratulations on standout photography!