Richard II. is a history play by William Shakespeare, which spans the last two years of Richard's life.
The script – one of Shakespeare’s trickiest, as it’s almost entirely in verse – lay by his bed for months, haunting him. ‘I’d never have thought I’d be capable until Michael Grandage [the Donmar Warehouse’s artistic director] called," Redmayne says.
"I have to be pushed." ....
"As opposition to his reign grows, Richard loses his crown and, with it, his grip on who he is, finally ending up broken in a prison cell. ‘Not that we’re making the parallel but I can’t help thinking of Gaddafi,’ Redmayne says. ‘He had all that belief in his own power and status, and then he was found in a sewer." ( x )
Richard II rehearsal
Jan.27, 2012. Independent: Eddie, Steady, Go: The talented Mr Redmayne on Baftas, bankers and Birdsong
Audio - Richard II (at the Donmar Warehouse) Act IV, Scene I (extract)
(Richard strips himself of his kingship and is taken to the Tower)
YouTube - MICHAEL GRANDAGE - A DECADE AT THE DONMAR (Red 3:42 - Richard II. 4:45)
YouTube - MICHAEL GRANDAGE - A DECADE AT THE DONMAR (Red 3:42 - Richard II. 4:45)
Wikipedia page: Richard II (play)
Eddie Redmayne received the 2011 Critics' Circle Theatre Award - The John and Wendy Trewin Award for Best Shakespearean Performance - for his portrayal of Richard II at London's Donmar Warehouse.
From Birdsong to the bard: Britain's next big thing Eddie Redmayne honoured at Critics' Circle Awards
Daily Mail article By J J ANISIOBI on 25 January 2012
Eddie said: 'My New Year’s resolution is to stop reading reviews. The difference with film and TV is that if you do a piece, then it’s nine months later and the thing is reviewed and there is nothing you can do about it.
'The problem with theatre is there is something you can do about it, so if you open your ears to everyone’s opinion, you are never going to please everyone.'
Daily Mail article By J J ANISIOBI on 25 January 2012
Eddie said: 'My New Year’s resolution is to stop reading reviews. The difference with film and TV is that if you do a piece, then it’s nine months later and the thing is reviewed and there is nothing you can do about it.
'The problem with theatre is there is something you can do about it, so if you open your ears to everyone’s opinion, you are never going to please everyone.'
