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Ebony Williams Ebony's Review of Richard III by Take Wing And Soar Productions The first five minutes of the scene shook the audience into silence and awe. This was not simply because words were being spoken by a player of actors but because the words that were being spoken were coming alive in a new way. It was a Shakespearean masterpiece chiefly overlooked by greater known works like Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Nightâs Dream, or Hamlet but on Sunday, September 21,2003, Richard III took president as it was performed by the Take Wing And Soar Productions, Inc. This production had an all African American cast starring daytime soap star Timothy D.Stickney. The story told of a kingdom torn apart by one man hoping to be king contains power and depth. All the actors on the stage act as if the characters they portray are a part of them limbs and all. The performance of Timothy D. Stickney can easily be described as brilliant. His presence stands out as much as his fierce language, booming voice and outstanding portrayal of a villain. What also makes his performance a must see, is the fact that he maintains an unbreakable connection with the audience throughout. Through his eyes, he makes the audience feel Richardâs hatred, anger and fierce proclamation of Îthe world owes me.' From beginning to end, the art of stage acting is beautiful. The costumes, which consist of suits, gowns and African attire and headgear, give a modernized flare to the usually European garb of trousers, boots and princess-puff sleeved gowns. The lighting, as simple as it is, still manages to give the feeling of ongoing action. When Richard is sharing his inner thoughts and plans with the audience, the lights dim focusing mainly on him, foreshadowing his ill intent and when war breaks out between kingdoms, lights flash from every angle of the stage in blue, red and white. The combination of meaningful acting, stage props and words; Richard III was a masterpiece. The performance was true to the characters in the original writing with lines delivered with humor and feeling. I wonât tell you what happens in the beginning, middle or end, but I will tell you that walking out of the auditorium I was glad to be able to see this acting company do something that is rare; they reintroduce the relevance of Richard III in todayâs world and families. His hatred for the world and his desire to be in control is something that every individual deals with either through themselves or through others. Family secrets and rivalry is obvious, and it all comes into 2003 through carefully chosen clothes, props and actions. Even if you leave hating or loving Richard III, everyone will leave relating to and understanding him. This is a performance not worth missing. |
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