CANCELLED: Classical Theatre of Harlem: Seize the King

With plays like Flow and The Seven, Will Power established a hip-hop theater tradition that grows in influence year after year. With Seize the King, the Classical Theatre of Harlem (CTH) delivers his propulsive and timely modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Richard III in what The New York Times describes as “an absolute joy to encounter … containing multitudes of beauty.” In this five-person, full-throttle production directed by Carl Cofield, Richard attempts to knock down all threats to his rule while fueling his insatiable ambition and paranoia. Even if he can be stopped – who can ensure it won’t happen again?

Date + Time

  • Thursday Mar 3, 2022
    7:30 PM

About

CHEAT SHEET

We really love an adaptation! – especially one that breathes new life into a classic. Shakespeare was always meant to be art for the people, so updates that bring it into contemporary parlance can allow us to experience something closer to the original experience.
We love to expand our canons! – the Classical Theatre of Harlem’s juxtaposition of African diasporic imagery and themes with the Bard is a kind of comparative literature in action, and it brings a fresh perspective to both traditions.
Even if you don’t know Richard III, you have probably quoted famous phrases from it – “my kingdom for a horse,” anyone? This adaptation is in contemporary verse, giving these iconic phrases a new twist – come hear your new idioms.

Company

The Classical Theatre of Harlem

Support

College of Arts and Science’s program in Dramatic Literature, Institute of African American Affairs & Center for Black Visual Culture, Tisch Dance, Tisch Drama

NYU Skirball’s programs are made possible with support from the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and by Howard Gilman Foundation, Collins Building Services, Consolidated Edison, Harkness Foundation for Dance, DuBose & Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund, New England Foundation for the Arts’ National Dance Project, with lead funding from the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation and The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, Mertz Gilmore Foundation, and Marta Heflin Foundation, as well as our valued donors through memberships and commissioning fund support.