“RICHARD OF BORDEAUX”

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 182, 30 April 1936, Page 3

“RICHARD OF BORDEAUX”

4 The triumph of Gordon Daviot’s historical costume play, “Richard of Bordeaux,” at the New Theatre. London, was the notable theatrical event of 1933. It was immediately acclaimed by critics nnd playgoers and its run extended over 12 months. Written throughout in modern prose, the play presents n colourful, convincing study of the period, and the settings nnd dressings are most picturesque. The Wellington Repertory Theatre will present this play under the direction of Mr. W. S. Wauchop, who saw it in London, in the Town Hall Concert Chamber for six performances, commencing tp-morrow evening. The cast, comprising 23 characters, has been in rehearsal for the past ten weeks, and an experienced staff has been working on the stage drossings and costumes. The box plans nre now open at the D.T.C. The story begins when Richard 11, a youthful idealist of 18. is at loggerheads with his counsellors. Most of the court nobles regard Richard as an ineffectual and unworthy son of the Black Prince. It is clear from the domineering attitude of his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester, that trouble is in store for the visionary young monarch. Tn this hostile and contemptuous atmosphere. Richard's affections centre in Anne of Bohemia, his sweet-natured consort, nnd Robert de Vere. the youthful Earl of Oxford. Eighteen months later some of his friends nre impeached by Gloucester and the Earl of Arundel. Richard raises an army in defence, but is defeated, but three years later ho has assumed n new authority and is fast shaking off Gloucester’s dominating shackles. Suddenly liis beloved Anne dies of the plague and thereafter ho lives only to revenge himself on those who plotted against him. IP marries again, this tilne Princess Isabella, a child of eight years. Gloucester is murdered nnd on (Tic Duke of Lancaster's dentil Richard seizes his estate, but in n battle he is obliged to surrender to the stronger forces and it is eventually deemed expedient to send him to Pontefract Castle on what, is destined to he his last earthly journey. The period of the play is 1385. I