Audiences have become used to seeing all-male productions of Shakespeare at the Globe, in the interests of historical authenticity. In Shakespeare's time, all actors were male as it was considered shocking to see women on stage. Now, in the 2003 Regime Change season, the Globe is putting the boot on the other foot, with an all-female cast for one of Shakespeare's greatest historical plays, Richard III.
Barry Kyle directs Kathryn Hunter as Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who schemes his way to the throne, only to have it snatched from him by Henry Tudor (Henry VII) at the Battle of Bosworth. This is not Hunter’s first time playing a male role; she previously King Lear on stage.
Richard III plays in rep at the Globe until September 27.
