Tangle, in association with MAST Mayflower Studios, is proud to present a radical and electrifying new adaptation of William Shakespeare’s Richard the Second, performed in its distinctive Southern African Township theatre style, and performing on stage from Thursday 20 to Saturday 22 October.
A nation is in turmoil. Three first cousins – Richard, Aumerle and Henry – battle for the supreme position of authority. Who will succeed in saving their country from a trail of ultimate destruction? And who will survive the challenge for the throne?
Tangle’s unique interpretation of one of the most compelling of Shakespeare’s history plays, exploring the politics of power and family alliances, will continue their ambition to perform classic plays in new and surprising ways to audiences of all kinds, the play has been adapted for a multi-skilled ensemble of five actors, with three actors playing multiple characters across the show.
Aumerle will be played by South African actor and director Lebogang Fisher, while Richard will be portrayed by 2021 LAMDA graduate Daniel Rock, in his professional stage debut.
Sharing the roles of Henry and Scroop is Antiguan-born actor Raheim Menzies; Mowbray, York, Gardener will be played by the Eswatini/South African veteran Sibusiso Mamba; and Gaunt, Northumberland and Gardener, by Courtney Winston.
With an original score of Zimbabwean music and song, Tangle’s new multicultural production offers a fast, powerful and fresh take on this state of the nation play, while celebrating the excellence of globally talented artists whose multi-national voices are at the centre of the work.
Richard the Second continues Tangle’s long-term commitment to championing African Caribbean artistic excellence, presenting classic plays in new and surprising ways to audiences of all kinds.
Tickets for Richard the Second (20 – 22 October) are on sale at mayflowerstudios.org.uk or 02380 711811.
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