The University of Central Arkansas will present William Shakespeare’s “Richard III” in the Bridges Larson Theatre in the Snow Fine Arts Center on campus.

Performances are planned at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31, Friday, Nov. 1, Thursday, Nov. 7, and Friday, Nov. 8; and at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2 and 9.

The production is based on the 1984 Royal Shakespeare Company production starring Anthony Sher, according to Chris Fritzges, the play’s director and an associate professor of theatre at UCA.

“That production was famous for Richard’s use of arm crutches that gave him a spider-like movement quality and an evil personality that was charismatic, ferocious and energetic; this production draws some inspiration from elements of that show,” he said.

Set in 15th-century England during the War of the Roses between the houses of York and Lancaster, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, envies his brother, King Edward IV.  Power-hungry and jealous, Richard aspires to take the throne and is willing to do anything to become king.

“It’s an exciting show set on a distorted chess board,” said Mikala Hicks, a senior theatre major who plays Richard.

Tickets for the general public are $10 each. UCA students, faculty and staff may receive two free tickets when they present a current UCA ID. Seats for this production are limited. Reservations can be made by calling 501.450.3265 or by visiting UCA Ticket Central located in the Reynolds Performance Hall box office. More information is available at uca.edu/theatre or by contacting Melissa Pearson, UCA Theatre business manager, at [email protected] or 501.450.5092.