The Public Theater

Peter Dinklage, the critically acclaimed star of the film The Station Agent, made his Public Theater debut as Shakespeare’s villainous king.

The Yorks have taken over the throne of England and Edward IV is king, but his younger brother Richard, Duke of Gloucester is dissatisfied. Deformed by a hunchback and a cruel nature he sets his brothers against each other in order to clear his own way to the crown. He has the two young princes murdered and devises plans to remove his brothers’ other children from succession, and is finally made king. Richard’s murderous plotting continues as he consolidates power, losing him the support of many noblemen. A rebel army lead by Henry, Earl of Richmond, challenges Richard’s army at Bosworth Field. Richard is killed and Richmond is crowned King Henry VII. Henry, a Lancaster, marries Richard’s niece Elizabeth, ending the Wars of the Roses by uniting the houses of Lancaster and York.

Peter Dinklage received a Drama League Award nomination for Distinguished Performance.