Director's Note

“In each of us, two natures are at war – the good and the evil. All our lives the fight goes on between them, and one of them must conquer. But in our own hands lies the power to choose – what we want most to be we are.”

Robert Louis Stevenson

Who doesn’t love a classic “Good vs. Evil” story? Throughout the ages, countless stories have focused around this basic concept. However, the story of Richard III is a fascinating one in that the fight begins within him. Richard, who describes himself as “Deformed” and “Unfinish’d,” is not treated well by those around him. Even animals that have the ability to love unconditionally, dogs, “...bark at me as I halt by them...” Imagine this being his entire existence. From birth to the start of the play, Richard has lived in a world of disgust and hatred because he is seen as being different. Richard, in his opening monologue, says:

“And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover,

To entertain these fair well-spoken days,

I am determined to prove a villain

And hate the idle pleasures of these days.”

He actively makes the choice to be “evil” because of the world around him. The world is not kind to him. No one treats him as an equal. This is Richard’s life. Why should Richard “turn the other cheek” when his cheek is always slapped. When one is faced with a world of evil thoughts and actions, the question becomes “How long can one fight against it before being consumed by it?”

That’s one way to look at it...Or...

There are people in this world who are only in it for themselves and will knock down and step over anyone who stands in their way.

If it is thought that each individual has the power to choose whether to be “good” or “evil,” why wouldn’t people naturally choose to be good instead of evil? Why wouldn’t people naturally choose right over wrong? Why wouldn’t people naturally choose to help others than to hurt others?

When watching our production, ask yourself these questions. Hopefully, this will create open discourse about items in our world that are greater than the production you witness here.

Thank you for joining us!

John Tovar: Director