FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
York Drama stages the world premiere of a new Shakespeare adaptation.
York Community High School presents a rare opportunity this Halloween weekend, the chance to see a brand new Shakespeare play. Margaret – Rose of the Wars blends four of the Bard’s plays, the Henry VI trilogy and Richard III, into a little over two hours of political intrigue, romance, all-out war and revenge, all set to a symphonic rock soundtrack. Shakespeare’s telling of the War of the Roses provided George R. R. Martin with an inspiration for Game of Thrones and provides us with the origins of the Duke of York. Staged against a modern setting, Shakespeare’s words give us the cautionary tale of how a single disagreement can send shock waves that wreak havoc on each of us individually and society at large. Margeret – Rose of the Wars runs Oct 30th- Nov 1st at 7:30 and Sunday Nov 2nd at 2:00. Tickets are available at yorkdrama.org .
“This is a project that has been stewing in my heart and mind since the late 80’s, my days with the Chicago Shakespeare Company,” adaptor and director, John Forsythe tells us, “when I was lucky enough to play Richmond, the conquering hero in Richard III. Even before that, I was fascinated with Margaret of Anjou, the only character that spans all four plays. This adaptation follows her story, from a young girl in France to the most powerful person in England, ultimately exploding in her downfall and the rise of Richard III. My goal was to create a tight, captivating narrative, using only Shakespeare’s words. Hopefully, our audiences will say mission accomplished as the final battle concludes. I will have to say, that I also relish the opportunity to tell the story of the Yorks and Lancasters here at York High School.”
Alex Wilson, dramaturg, also playing the role of Gloucester, explains the modern significance of these historical events: “Margaret - Rose of the Wars uses the historical lens of Shakespeare's dramatization of the War of the Roses and the surrounding events to shed light on what our world could be if we as a society don't stop the escalation of tensions. Our society has become more and more polarized in recent years; however, we are not at the point of irreparable divisions like those between the Yorks and Lancasters in the show. The parallels we draw between Shakespeare's works and our modern day serve as a warning of what could happen if we do not stop the growth of hatred. This show is so special because it forces us to examine the impact of our actions and the ways they contribute to or fight growing animosity in society.”
Ava Glavinskas, playing a very unconventional Richard III on her experience: “Through my exploration into the character of Richard, I have found that he has been portrayed as a mustache-twirly, purely evil person. Richard is so much more complicated, and not simply black-and-white, good-and-evil. Seeing Richard through my teenage eyes has taught me to look at things from all perspectives, and to keep an open mind. It’s been an illuminating experience to see how Shakespeare’s words are still relevant today.”
Margaret – Rose of the Wars will be presented Oct. 30th-Nov 1st at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 2nd at 2 p.m. in the York High School Baker Auditorium. Tickets are $15 at www.yorkdrama.org . York students admitted free with ID.