Chicago Shakespeare Theatre Completes Tug of War Series With Civil Strife
Henry VI Parts 2 & 3 and Richard III, adapted and directed by Barbara Gaines.
(© Liz Lauren)
The second part of Chicago Shakespeare Theater's Tug of War – Civil Strife begins performances tonight.
Tug of War is artistic director Barbara Gaines' two-part adaptation of Shakespeare's Edward III; Henry V; Henry VI, Parts 1, 2, and 3; and Richard III. The first part, Foreign Fire ran May 12-June 12. The second part, Civil Strife, covers the events of Henry VI Parts 2 and 3 through Richard III.
Civil Strife opens in a period of lawlessness and turbulence in England as the country’s leading families, the Houses of York and Lancaster, scheme for the English throne. The Duke of York manipulates the beleaguered King Henry VI’s weakness. The country spirals further into chaos when the King is murdered and his brother Richard seeks the crown. Gaines directs from her own adaptation.
Civil Strife introduces Timothy Edward Kane (Richard III), Elizabeth Ledo (Somerset, Lady Anne), Michael Milligan (Young Clifford, Rivers, Tyrell), Derrick Trumbly (Peters, Salisbury, Stafford) and Alison Chesley (Soldier, cello) to the ensemble. Returning to the company from Tug of War: Foreign Fire are Karen Aldridge (Margaret), David Darlow (Winchester, Oxford, Brakenbury), Kevin Gudahl (Warwick), Heidi Kettenring (Elizabeth), Daniel Kyri (Grey), Michael Aaron Lindner (Humphrey, King Edward IV), James Newcomb (Buckingham, Exeter), Steven Sutcliffe (Henry VI, Hastings), John Tufts (Suffolk, Clarence, Ratcliff), and Larry Yando (York, Stanley, Newsman). Completing the ensemble are Matt Deitchman, Jed Feder, and Shanna Jones.
The creative staff includes Lindsay Jones (sound designer, original music), Scott Davis (scenic design), Susan Mickey (costume design), Aaron Spivey (lighting design), Mike Tutaj (projections), Steve Tolin (special effects), and Melissa Veal (wig and makeup design). Rounding out the creative team is music director Matt Deitchman, assistant director Geoff Button, fight choreographer Matt Hawkins, movement director Harrison McEldowney, and verse coach Kevin Gudahl. Stuart Sherman serves as the scholar in residence for the project.
Performances run through October 9.
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