SHAKESPEARE'S RICHARD III BRINGS TYRRANY TO SU STAGE

March 20, 2008 SELINSGROVE ( Pa. ) – Shakespeare's murderously chilling play, Richard III, makes its appearance on the Susquehanna University stage in April, but not without the Department of Theatre's signature twist. The show, which runs April 17-20 at 8 p.m., in Degenstein Center Theater, is set in the French Quarter of New Orleans during the American Civil War. Richard III follows a duke's indirect course to the throne by way of killing those who stand in his path. “The play is interesting in the sense of the civil war, and I thought it was fitting in the sense of the American Civil War,” said Douglas Powers, associate professor of theatre and the show's director. “For me, the play is about how a tyrant becomes a tyrant,” he said. “While Abraham Lincoln became sainted after his assassination, many considered his actions to be tyrannical. My interpretation of the play may bring about new questions.” Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for non-SU students. Tickets may be purchased by calling the university box office at (570) 372-2787. For more information, contact Laura Martin, student publicity coordinator, at (717) 940-7359 or martinlaura@susqu.edu. Contact: Gerald Cohen 570-372-4119