BY Brianna Ciniglio

COLUMNIST

A Shakespearean production was transformed into a contemporary piece, which included modern features such as stilettos, a rave, and even a scene where the main character snorts cocaine.

“Richard II” was performed March 7^th & 8^th at Adam’s Playhouse. Although the language and storyline were just as Shakespeare had written it to be, the rest of the show had a completely different feel.

“It’s an analogy to famous people in the present,” said Jean Dobie Giebel, director of the production.

The show opens with a video clip of celebrities on the red carpet. Through this transparent screen, Richard, played by senior Jesse Eberl, could be seen with his equivalent of groupies.

“I like playing Richard because he runs the gambit of emotions,” Eberl said.

He does a fantastic job of running the show as Richard. He is a fierce ruler who everyone in the kingdom either loves and/or fears.

To continue in true Shakespeare fashion, there is a bit of cross-dressing in this show. But, unlike traditional Shakespeare, where young boys acted in female roles, this show was highly dominated by women.

The perfect example of this was senior Deanna Giulietti’s portrayal of Henry Bullingbroke. Henry’s rise to power was battle driven by determination that Giulietti stepped up to, while in heels, nonetheless.

However if you are a traditional Shakespeare lover, don’t worry; sophomore Justin Valentino’s humorous portrayal of the Duchess of York will keep a smile on your face.

The costumes and music, although up to date, were also a nice addition to the show. Richard’s long white jacket with gold trimmings was kingly, yet still red carpet worthy.

The Alt J music during scene changes was perfectly fitting. The songs were not radio hits, which, if chosen, would have divulged from the elegance of Shakespeare, but they are current enough to keep the modernity of the show in mind.

Richard’s death was beautifully done. It wasn’t too over the top, but left the audience leaving the playhouse with his blood stained shirt sunken into their minds.

Overall, I thought the play did a good job of mixing the old and new. The lines were the same as any production of Richard II would likely be, but allowed the audience to view the words in a whole new light.

“It’s fun to do something so medieval to our mindset in a fresh context,” senior Tom Myers, who played John of Gaunt, said.

Although we as a modern society do not bow down to royalty, we do have celebrities that we completely idolize as kings and queens. Hofstra’s portrayal of Richard II shows that we are not far off from the themes Shakespeare presents in his drama.