William Shakespeare | RICHARD II. Solo eines Königs

an adaptation by S. Meister and C. Reiner

Shakespeare's Richard II is about power, guilt - and humanity. Richard kills, dispossesses, intrigues - and is ultimately overthrown himself.

But the play does not end with his deposition. On the contrary: this is where the real heart of the tragedy begins. Richard must face up to his guilt - and recognize himself as a human being.

"God has for some strong purpose steeled the heart of men."

What he did to others falls back on him: he disinherits Bolingbroke - and is disempowered by him. He kills - and is killed himself. It is the inexorable law of retribution. But Shakespeare goes further: he shows that a divine finger is visible in all of this.

"Heaven hath a hand in these events."

The poet makes no secret of his attitude. First he denounces Richard as a tyrant. But the overthrown king touches him - as a vulnerable human being, as a failed artist, as a lover. The ruler becomes a tragic figure who awakens our compassion.

Shakespeare reminds us that a policy of mercy is not only noble - it is wiser than revenge. History will prove that.
But this is the future. Now we are with Shakespeare in the prison at Pontefract Castle. And experience Richard's last hours - haunting, moving, human.
A play about the fall of a king - and the awakening to oneself. Come and join us.