Richard III: William Mesguich stages the lust for power at the Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens

From September 9 to December 23, 2025, the Théâtre des Gémeaux Parisiens presents William Shakespeare's Richard III, directed by William Mesguich, with a cast of eight actors playing over twenty-five characters.

Presented from September 9 to December 23, 2025 at the Théâtre des Gémeaux in Paris, William Shakespeare 's Richard III is directed by William Mesguich, with a cast of eight actors playing over twenty-five characters in a tightened version of this political tragedy.

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In this tragedy of power and manipulation, Shakespeare plunges the spectator into the heart of late 15th-century England, following the Wars of the Two Roses. After the House of York's victory, Richard, brother of King Edward IV, is plotting his revenge and seizing power. Betrayals, assassinations, perversions of speech and morals: Richard eliminates his rivals one by one in a brutal ascent to the throne.

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The staging promises to be a maelstrom of violence and dramatic tension, supported by a tightly-knit cast and lighting design by William Mesguich himself. Black poetry, intense rhythms and tensions of power combine to resonate the political relevance of a text that spans the centuries.

The show, which lasts 1 hour 40 minutes, is suitable for audiences aged 14 and over. It is aimed at audiences who enjoy classical theater, political tragedy and complex Shakespearean figures. Those who appreciate dynamic stagings, supported by a tightly-packed cast, should appreciate this proposal. On the other hand, audiences looking for more contemporary or streamlined forms may find this version dense and demanding.

Richard III is performed every Tuesday at 8.30pm at the Théâtre des Gémeaux in Paris. Prices start at €16.

This article is based on sources available online and the show has not been viewed.

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