Ep 6. Richard III with Antony Sher

Richard III is one of the most iconic and infamous characters in all of Shakespeare's plays. And yet, despite his notoriety, there is still much that we do not know about this complex and enigmatic figure. In season 3 episode 6 of Shakespeare Uncovered, actor Antony Sher takes us on a journey through the mind and motivations of this most fascinating of villains.

Sher is uniquely qualified for this task, having played the role of Richard III in several stage productions and earning widespread acclaim for his portrayal. Drawing on his experience and expertise, Sher delves deep into the text of the play, examining its language, structure, and historical context in order to shed new light on Richard's motives and machinations.

Throughout the course of the episode, Sher takes us on a tour of some of the key scenes in the play, offering insights and analysis along the way. He explores the famous opening monologue, in which Richard lays out his plan to seize the crown, and looks at how the language of the play creates a sense of unease and disorientation in the viewer. He also examines Richard's relationships with other characters, including his brothers and his eventual wife Anne, to explore how these connections inform his character and drive his actions.

As Sher guides us through the play, we also learn about the historical context that inspired and informed Shakespeare's writing. Sher visits the site of the Battle of Bosworth, where Richard met his downfall, and talks with historians about the political and social forces that shaped the character of this turbulent period in English history. In doing so, he provides a rich and textured backdrop against which to view the events of the play.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the episode is Sher's analysis of Richard's physicality. Richard is famously depicted as a hunchback, and Sher explores how this physical deformity informs the character's personality and motivations. He also looks at how actors who have played the role in the past have brought their own interpretations to the physical portrayal of Richard, and what this tells us about the character's enduring appeal.

Ultimately, what emerges from this episode is a portrait of a complex and multifaceted character, one whose motivations and actions continue to intrigue audiences centuries after the play was written. Sher's deep knowledge of the text and his personal experience with the role of Richard make him an authoritative guide to this fascinating material, and his insights and analysis are sure to deepen our appreciation of one of Shakespeare's most enigmatic creations.