Episode 502. Directing Richard III

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Michael Patrick ThorntonJessica Thebus directed Richard III for Chicago’s Gift Theatre in the spring of 2016, an amazing production that starred Michael Patrick Thornton (right) in the title role. Jessica talks about the impetus for directing this famously challenging play and reveals where the drama gets most focused, the secrets to fantastic fight choreography, comparisons to FDR, stunning coups de theatre as Act One closers, and, most importantly, how to set your lead actor up for success when tackling one of the most famous opening soliloquies in western literature. (Length 23:11)

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