TEHRAN- An adaptation of English playwright and poet William Shakespeare’s play “Richard III” is currently on stage at Entezami Hall of the Iranian Artists Forum (IAF) in Tehran. 

Mehdi Bakhtiari is the director of the play, which will remain on stage until September 25. 

Mostafa Latifikhah, Sogol Yekta, Saeed Jamshidipur and Melina Mashayekhi are the main members of the cast for the play. 

"Richard III" unfolds during a tumultuous period in England's history, characterized by power struggles and civil war. The play centers on Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who is ambitious, cunning, and willing to manipulate and murder in his quest for the throne. The narrative begins with Richard's resentment towards his brothers; he sees himself as deformed and marginalized, expressing his intent to usurp the crown.

Richard employs deceit and ruthless tactics to eliminate his foes, starting with the nobleman Clarence, his brother. He orchestrates Clarence's imprisonment and subsequent murder by convincing others that he poses a threat to Richard's ascent. With Clarence out of the way, Richard continues his machinations, charming and manipulating key figures around him.

Richard woos Lady Anne, the widow of King Henry VI, by deceitfully claiming responsibility for her husband’s death. Despite her initial resistance, Anne succumbs to Richard's persuasive charm and marries him. With his marriage securing further legitimacy, Richard sets his sights on King Edward IV, his brother, who unknowingly supports Richard's rise.

After Edward's death, Richard, with the help of his loyal ally Buckingham, swiftly seizes control, manipulating the young princes, Edward and Richard, to proclaim himself protector. However, his ambition leads him to murder the princes in the Tower of London, ensuring that no one stands in his way for the crown.

As Richard solidifies his power, his tyranny leads to a backlash from nobles and former allies. Buckingham turns against him, and Richard finds himself increasingly isolated. The nobleman Richmond, rallying opposition against Richard's tyranny, emerges as a central figure in this conflict, representing hope for a united and peaceful England.

The play culminates in the Battle of Bosworth Field, where Richard faces Richmond. Despite his bravado on the battlefield, Richard is ultimately defeated, marked by a distinguished cry: "A horse! A horse! My kingdom for a horse!" After his death, Richmond ascends the throne as King Henry VII, marking the end of the Plantagenet dynasty and the beginning of the Tudor era.

Shakespeare's "Richard III" serves as a powerful exploration of ambition, morality, and the destructive nature of power, illustrating the dark consequences of unchecked desire for dominance and the inevitable downfall that follows.

William Shakespeare, widely regarded as the greatest playwright in English literature, was born in 1564. Throughout his career, Shakespeare wrote an impressive body of work that includes over 36 plays, 154 sonnets, and several poems. His plays span across various genres, including tragedies like "Hamlet" and "Macbeth," comedies such as "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and "Twelfth Night," and histories like "Henry V" and "Richard III." Shakespeare's works are renowned for their intricate plots, memorable characters, and profound insights into the human condition, making them timeless pieces of literature that continue to captivate audiences worldwide.

SAB/