Thomas Ostermeier’s Richard III is a loveable, evil monster.
Yana Meerzon reviewing from the International Shakespeare Theatre Festival in Craiova, Romania. Richard III is the opening feature of the XV edition of the Europe Theatre Prize held in that city.
Lars Eidinger as Hamlet. Photo:
Arno Declair.
Richard III is one of the most famous villains of the Shakespearean canon and thus it would appear that any interpretation other than that of a manipulator of people’s emotions, a cunning and purely evil murderer or a monster obsessed with power, would not be possible. Yet, German director Thomas Ostermeier who often finds exciting ways to think through the classics, takes such an unexpected turn here . His Richard is someone who can be likeable, charming, open, and simple in his own evil ways. Pretense is the rule by which Ostermeier’s Richard lives; he even becomes a victim, someone with whom we can sympathize.
Although opposing a long-standing tradition is a difficult task, Ostermieier does not shy away from having his his leading actor project good in the evil of his character.
