Crookback: Shakespeare's 'Richard III' Rebooted

Crookback

SHAKESPEARE'S 'RICHARD III' REBOOTED

Writing to please his patron, Elizabeth I, and relying on sources which supported the Tudor portrayal of Richard III as a usurper of the throne and tyrannical mass murderer, Shakespeare crafted one of the most monstrous villains of literature - a fictional character that came to supplant the Richard of history.

But how different might be Shakespeare's 'Tragedy of Richard III' were he writing it today, free from political constraints and with access to all the historical information we now have available? That is the question 'Crookback' sets out to answer, and, in doing so, this rewriting of the original play offers audiences a more complex protagonist, neither saint nor devil, whose actions are a reaction to the turbulent times in which he lives.

As in 'Game of Thrones' (inspired by that era's 'Wars of the Roses'), there are multiple individuals scheming to seize the crown, and when Edward IV dies, Richard, the younger brother who overcame the physical handicap of scoliosis to excel on the field of battle, and who had been steadfastly loyal to Edward, does what he calculates is necessary to prevent his enemies taking power and ensure his own survival. Events soon race beyond Richard's control, however, and toward a date with destiny on the battlefield at Bosworth.

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CHRISTOPHER M WALKER

Born in Sheffield, England, the author graduated from the University College of York St. John with an Honours Degree in Drama, Film & Television. He has taught drama for over 25 years, as a Head of Drama in Grantham, and Head of Drama & English at The Sheffield College. He is a member of the Richard III Society.