The Schaubühne Berlin’s Richard III is a fierce, modern take on Shakespeare’s ruthless king, with Lars Eidinger giving one of the most intense performances in decades. Expect sharp, minimalist staging, direct German prose, and a raw look at power, ambition, and political chaos — no frills, just pure drama.

About the Show:

Power, desire, and evil all explode in Thomas Ostermeier’s Richard III, fresh from Berlin’s Schaubühne. Following his acclaimed Hamlet, Ostermeier reinvents Shakespeare’s notorious king with sharp, minimalist stage design and fierce live acting. Lars Eidinger leads as Richard, delivering one of the most intense, ruthless takes on the role in 300 years.

The play dives deep into political manipulation and raw ambition. It strips Shakespeare’s classic form and rewrites it with direct, biting prose. Eidinger’s performance is physically commanding and pulls the audience right into the storm of power and corruption. This isn’t just a Shakespeare play — it’s a brutal modern parable about power, control, and the dark side of human nature.

Synopsis:

Richard III was born premature and deformed — a crooked, lame hunchback. After Henry V’s death, Richard proved himself a fierce warrior in the Wars of the Roses, fighting mainly for his brother Edward’s rise. Once Edward became king, Richard’s ruthless scheming and murders helped clear his path. But peace never came. Richard’s hate for the world that rejects him runs deep, pushing him back into his deadly game of political power.

He manipulates enemies, exploits ambitions, and murders his way to the throne. Though crowned king, Richard’s torment continues. Alone at the top, his rage turns inward toward himself — the true enemy.

Media Praise:

• “A truly spectacular production, unlike any other.” — Jamie Wright, Adelaide Theatre Guide


• “Thomas Ostermeier is a modern innovator of classic theatre, packed with fresh ideas.” — Tim Lloyd, The Advertiser


• “[Eidinger] inhabits the role with an autistic intensity that makes every moment convincing. A theatrical event with real impact.” — André Mumot, Deutschlandradio Kultur

Creative Team:

Director:

Thomas Ostermeier — one of Europe’s top contemporary theatre directors. Born 1968 in Soltau, Germany. Artistic Director of Schaubühne Berlin since 1999. Winner of the Golden Lion at Venice Biennale 2011. Known for challenging classic theatre with fresh, critical perspectives.

Lead Actor

Lars Eidinger — Berlin-born actor, ensemble member of Schaubühne since 1999. Also a director, musician, photographer, and DJ. Featured in international films like Everyone Else (2009), Clouds of Sils Maria (2014), and White Noise (2022).

Production

Schaubühne Berlin — founded 1962, one of Germany’s premier theatres. Known for modern and classical plays with political and social critique. Tours internationally with over 100 performances abroad yearly.

Cast & Crew:

• Original playwright: William Shakespeare


• German translation: Marius von Mayenburg


• Stage Design: Jan Pappelbaum


• Costume Design: Florence von Gerkan


• Costume Collaboration: Ralf Tristan Sczesny


• Music: Nils Ostendorf


• Video: Sébastien Dupouey


• Dramaturgy: Florian Borchmeyer


• Lighting: Erich Schneider


• Puppeteer Training: Susanne Claus, Dorothee Metz


• Doll Making: Ingo Mewes, Karin Tiefensee


• Fight Choreography: René Lay