Richard III is Shakespeare's moving portrait of a career man, oozing charm and with a lust for power.

The play describes his unlikely rise and fall. Since he is the youngest brother of a king with healthy sons it is unthinkable that Richard himself will ever ascend the throne, but the impossible is for him precisely the greatest challenge. Intriguing, flirting, smiling, threatening and on occasion killing, he makes his way to the highest position. But when he is at the pinnacle of his career he is confronted with the painful question: And now what? Is this all?

Orkater and the Amsterdam Stadsschouwburg adapted this Shakespeare play and created a music theatre performance with music by Tom Waits and Kathleen Brennan. Just like Shakespeare did, Waits and Brennan incorporate poetry, provocation, seduction and irony in their songs. Their music illustrates, mirrors and strengthens Richard’s character.

Gijs Scholten van Aschat as Richard is supported by a band led by Vincent van Warmerdam, complemented by The Sadists, a young group of three actors/musicians and a troupe of mainly young actors. Over and against this youthful ‘posse’ of Richard’s there is a generation of strong women who offer more opposition than all the men put together. These characters are portrayed by powerful, experienced actresses.