Globe Education Online

Richard III [Kathryn Hunter]. Photo: Donald Cooper

Since Richard II's abdication and Henry Bolingbroke's enthronement, civil war has raged between the Houses of York and Lancaster. Following King Edward IV's death, his young son is crowned King Edward V, with Richard, Duke of Gloucester, as his Protector.

But now, the Protector's associates have accused Edward Iv of illegitimacy, imprisoned Edward v in the Tower, and implored the humble and reluctant protector to become Richard III.

Privately, however, it is rumoured that Richard's rise may not be as acciental as it seems. The Duke of Clarence's murder, officially blamed on Edward IV's wife, has resulted in a spate of revenge killings, all of them commanded by Richard and his associates.

Who killed the Duke of Clarence? Was Richard really so reluctant to ascend the throne?  Where is the evidence of Edward I's illegitimacy? Who has heard from the political prisoners in the Tower? When tyrannical powers take hold of a state, who dares change the regime?

Richard III was performed in 2003, as part of the Season of Regime Change.