Richard III Revived at Childhood Home

Posted on 18 August 2014

The voice of Richard III will echo once again through the ruins of his childhood home at Middleham Castle this weekend in a screening of a rare black and white silent film, accompanied by the live voices of contemporary actors.

The film version of Shakespeare’s play Richard III, made in 1911, will be screened in the Great Hall at Middleham on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. The script for the special Bank Holiday screenings was written by Judith Buchanan, Professor of Film and Literature at the University of York.

Professor Buchanan has rehearsed the contemporary cast to work in sympathetic collaboration with the old film.

She said:

“We’re bringing Richard’s voice back to Middleham Castle through Shakespeare’s lively and highly influential characterisation of him. Modern-day actors will voice Shakespeare’s lines in perfect synchronicity with the on-screen action. This is a rare opportunity to see a precious piece of cinema and theatre history which has special resonance for Middleham - and for Yorkshire.”

Brief introductions from Professor Buchanan and Dr Kate Giles from the University’s Department of Archaeology will set the scene while a post-screening Q and A offers a chance to ask the actors and the experts about Richard, Middleham, Shakespeare and silent film.

Doors to the Great Hall open at 8.30pm. Further information, including booking details:
www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/events/king-richard-on-film-Mid-23-08-2014
(Discounts available for University of York staff and students by booking through the English Heritage phone line.)