Richard III is a play by William Shakespeare that was first performed in 1593. It is based on the true story of King Richard III of England, who ruled from 1483 until his death in 1485.
Richard III is a controversial figure in history and the play has been interpreted in many different ways. Some believe that Shakespeare presents Richard as a Machiavellian villain, while others believe that he is a tragic figure.
The play is one of Shakespeare’s most popular and frequently-studied plays. It is known for its complex characters and its use of irony and humor. It has been adapted for film and television several times. In 2012, a new production of the play was staged in London to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death.
The play is set in the years leading up to and during the Wars of Roses—a series of civil wars in England between two rival branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: those who supported Henry VI (the Lancastrians) versus those who supported Edward IV (the Yorkists). The conflict lasted from 1455–1487 and culminated with victory by Edward IV’s son Richard III over Henry VII at Bosworth Field in August 1485.
