Collective Artistes in association with makin projects presents
The African Company Presents Richard III
By Carlyle Brown
What happens to a dream deferred? Do human beings barred from
liberty and the pursuit of happiness dare “mounting barbed steeds to
fright the souls of fearful adversaries”? Posing questions of passion
and survival Collective Artistes’ next production, The African Company
Presents Richard III is a fast moving drama with serious undertones reflecting issues of cultural assimilation in today’s society.
Set in New York in 1821 and based on historical events, The African Company Presents Richard III follows two competing theatre companies performing Shakespeare's Richard III. The African Company, the first African American theatre troupe in the United States, has announced its production of Richard III. A rival white producer has imported a renowned English actor for the same role and fears competition from the increasingly popular African Company. With the aid of trumped up charges (and an easily swayed constable) the rival producer shuts down the African Company’s theatre, inspiring the troupe to move their production right next door to the rival impresario’s theatre. A mighty clash of wills ensues, and the pitting of passion against societal mores explodes in riots in the streets of New York City. Members of the African Company fight to overturn the barriers of slavery, race and immigrant status barring them from freedom, at a time when America supposedly welcomed the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
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The African Company Presents Richard III
By Carlyle Brown
What happens to a dream deferred? Do human beings barred from
liberty and the pursuit of happiness dare “mounting barbed steeds to
fright the souls of fearful adversaries”? Posing questions of passion
and survival Collective Artistes’ next production, The African Company
Presents Richard III is a fast moving drama with serious undertones reflecting issues of cultural assimilation in today’s society.
Set in New York in 1821 and based on historical events, The African Company Presents Richard III follows two competing theatre companies performing Shakespeare's Richard III. The African Company, the first African American theatre troupe in the United States, has announced its production of Richard III. A rival white producer has imported a renowned English actor for the same role and fears competition from the increasingly popular African Company. With the aid of trumped up charges (and an easily swayed constable) the rival producer shuts down the African Company’s theatre, inspiring the troupe to move their production right next door to the rival impresario’s theatre. A mighty clash of wills ensues, and the pitting of passion against societal mores explodes in riots in the streets of New York City. Members of the African Company fight to overturn the barriers of slavery, race and immigrant status barring them from freedom, at a time when America supposedly welcomed the huddled masses yearning to breathe free.
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‘highly impressive, a rich evening’ - Micheal Billington, The Guardian
‘urgent, serious and honest, lifts the evening…performances are strong throughout’ - Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
‘exhilarating’ - Time Out
‘strikingly staged, heartfelt theatre, beautiful.’ - Evening Standard
‘highly poeticised, impressive’ - Metro, London
‘The fierce beauty of Chuck Mike's production is at once a celebration and requiem for the Nigerian soul’ - The Times
‘strong, beautiful, and emotionally absorbing…the sheer energy of the show, the singing, the dancing, makes the production a joy’ - The Scotsman
‘powerful punch…delivered by the power of the entire ensemble…talented, multicultural group from all reaches of the African diaspora…So powerful is the performance, in fact, that its punch will follow you out of the theatre and into the night’ - Lisa Rauschart, The Washington Times
‘requires ensemble playing of a very high order, and ten-strong Collective Artistes company most certainly lives up to the challenge’ - The Oxford Times
‘urgent, serious and honest, lifts the evening…performances are strong throughout’ -
‘exhilarating’ -
‘strikingly staged, heartfelt theatre, beautiful.’ -
‘highly poeticised, impressive’ -
‘The fierce beauty of Chuck Mike's production is at once a celebration and requiem for the Nigerian soul’ -
‘strong, beautiful, and emotionally absorbing…the sheer energy of the show, the singing, the dancing, makes the production a joy’ -
‘powerful punch…delivered by the power of the entire ensemble…talented, multicultural group from all reaches of the African diaspora…So powerful is the performance, in fact, that its punch will follow you out of the theatre and into the night’ -
‘requires ensemble playing of a very high order, and ten-
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Collective Artistes is an International Black Ensemble with the creative team and core performing company having worked together since 1997 in major productions that have toured nationally and internationally. Things Fall Apart 1997 and 1999, the award winning Yerma 2001, Sense of Belonging 2002 and 2003, Trojan Women - Women of Owu 2004 and The Lion and the Jewel 2005.
Collective Artistes have co-produced with a variety of companies including; Young Vic, Barbican, UK Arts International, Chipping Norton Theatre and Nu Century Arts (a Birmingham based black theatre company).
Our most recent partners were the Barbican and the Young Vic as part of the Bite Season – Young Genius
For more information please visit www.collectiveartistes.co.uk
Collective Artistes is an International Black Ensemble with the creative team and core performing company having worked together since 1997 in major productions that have toured nationally and internationally. Things Fall Apart 1997 and 1999, the award winning Yerma 2001, Sense of Belonging 2002 and 2003, Trojan Women -
Collective Artistes have co-
For more information please visit www.collectiveartistes.co.uk
Artform Theatre
Scale mid – Large
Availability Spring 2009
Collective Artistes