Sport for Jove in association with Seymour Centre presents
BY WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
ADAPTED & DIRECTEDBY DAMIEN RYAN
“LET US SIT UPON THE GROUND AND TELL SAD STORIES OF THE DEATH OF KINGS”
We live in a virulently polarised world – truth from falsehood barely distinguishable – media smothered by propaganda and partisanship – leadership eccentric to the point of madness –democracy at its most fragile and ambiguous – autocracies thriving and flagrantly proud – and cleptocracy, the ancient art of governing by theft, proving a very adequate solution to the problem of who runs the show! Let’s just say it – we are living in a Shakespearean…tragedy? History? Nightmare? And if we really dare ask ourselves, do we perhaps enjoy the show a little too much to want it to end?
The Player Kings is an extraordinary and unforgettable offering and the biggest undertaking in Sport for Jove's history. This is Damien Ryan’s brand new adaptation of Shakespeare’s great history cycle – the epic theatrical mirror Shakespeare held up to the eternal human struggle to lead, love and learn to live together.
Playing over two compelling and contemporary chapters, the story glances backward to the journey from Richard II to Richard III, in order to thrust our gaze forward to how political systems collapse and societies devour their own potential.
Featuring a world class cast, some of the finest actors of Shakespeare in the country, people whose capacity for language and depth of understanding is a promise of something very special. A hugely inventive and genuinely immersive experience, The Player Kings reimagines a Globe-like arena on the York stage at the Seymour Centre.
Experience the magic! Watch the two parts on back-to-back nights or, for the ultimate adventure, immerse yourself in our Saturday marathon, complete with a delightful dinner break.
This is a rare and deeply fulfilling opportunity to celebrate great performance, incredible writing and very big ideas, surrounded by your own community, the people who hold your future in their imaginations. Come along, sit on the ground with us, tell stories and help work out what we do next in this confusing, beautiful world we live in.
Tickets will sell fast – you do not want to miss this!
AGES 14+
CAST INCLUDES
John Gaden
Peter Carroll
Katrina Retallick
Leilani Loau
Seán O’Shea
Marty Alix
Steve Rodgers
Emma Palmer
Andrew Cutcliffe
Gareth Davies
Lucinda Howes
Ruby Henaway
​Liam Gamble
Dates and Booking
SEYMOUR CENTRE
PART 1
WED, 26 Mar | 6:30pm
(Preview)
SAT, 29 Mar | 11:30Am
(Gala Day)
THU, 3 aPr | 6:30pm
SAT, 5 aPr | 11:30Am
(Gala Day)
PART 2
THU, 27 Mar | 6:30pm
(Preview)
SAT, 29 Mar | 6:30pm
(Gala Day)
FRI, 4 aPr | 6:30pm
SAT, 5 aPr | 6:30Pm
(Gala Day)
TICKETS ON SALE SOON
SFJ's SUMMER SEASON
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