Garrick, Kean and Barricelli as Richard III

Shakespeare's plays have allowed actors over the centuries to explore complex characters in a seemingly infinite number of different ways. Shown here are three examples of how Richard III has been portrayed. This picture shows David Garrick, the greatest actor of the 18^th Century in his rather melodramatic Richard. Garrick was instrumental in recognizing Shakespeare's genius by staging a jubilee celebration in Stratford in 1769.

One of the foremost actors of the 19^th Century was Edmund Kean, shown here in the variety of exotic costumes he wore as Richard, which probably had a lot more to do with the public's interest in the unusual than historical accuracy. Until about 1850 there was little attempt to make productions historical true to the time the play was set..

A personal favorite of mine was this recent portrayal of Richard by Marco Barricelli at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival. Barricelli, costumed in black leather, emphasized Richard's sardonic wit and audacity. Here he seems to mock his own deformity, sitting in a wheel chair.