Since the beginning of the new year,
Will Power, distinguished professor of theater and performance, has actively lived up to his designation of being a
playwright to watch in 2020.
"It’s been busy," Power said, "but it’s been fun."
Power is bringing two plays to Atlanta this year. The first, "
Seize the King," which opened at the Alliance Theatre on Feb.14 and runs through March 8, is a modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s "Richard III." Using modern language, a small cast of five actors depict Power's version of the Machiavellian rise to power and subsequent short reign of King Richard III.
"One actor plays Richard all the way through," he said. "The other actors switch roles, and take on about three characters each."
On March 6, the Alliance will host "College Night: Seize the King," a theater workshop that will allow students from Spelman and other Atlanta area colleges to showcase their original works inspired by Shakespearean texts.
"A lot of plays are dated, but the way Shakespeare treats classic themes of struggle, revenge, anger and love are timeless and continue to stay relevant," Power said. "We’re looking at those issues through a contemporary lens through 'Seize' and on college night."
Power’s play "Stagger Lee" will be staged at Spelman’s Baldwin Burroughs Theatre, April 16-19.