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Subterranean Shakespeare brings the Bard to Berkeley with a production of one of the playwright?s most popular histories: Richard III. The depiction of England?s last King Richard has generated much debate as to its historical accuracy, but there?s no question that few literary figures are as recognizable as Shakespeare?s ?foul bunch-back?d toad.?

The Wars of the Roses have reached an uncertain peace with the House of York reigning victorious. Richard, Duke of Gloucester (Charlie Goldenhawk Reaves) plots to usurp the throne of his brother, King Edward IV (Mark Jordan). He woos and weds Lady Anne (Tiffany Harrison), conspires to kill his brother, the Duke of Clarence (Maureen-Theresa Williams), tests and destroys his allies Hastings (Gary Dailey) and Buckingham (Jack Halton), and even sends an assassin to dispatch his young nephews. The hard-won crown does not rest easy on his head, and the curses of the former Queen Margaret (Jean Forsman) prove true: that which was won with blood will be lost so.

A cast of twelve embodies all of the characters including the infamous hunchback villain himself. In the title role, Reaves commits with passion but takes the dual-personality of Richard and splits him into a new character nearly every scene. Reaves? best work comes when he simplifies his choices, suiting the intimate space. This is especially apparent when he matches energy with Kerry Gudjohnsen as Queen Elizabeth. Gudjohnsen is luminous and compelling. Her command of the language allows us great understanding, and she elevates each scene with her simplicity and truth.

As Elizabeth?s sworn enemy, Forsman is her dynamic, angry antithesis. While Forsman also handles the language well, she is clearly capable of more variety in interpreting the character. Halton as Buckingham and Harrison as Lady Anne are both clear and credible, eliciting compassion as they are ensnared by the ?bottled spider.? Williams is fine as Richard?s mother and brother but greater distinction could be made between the two characters. Dailey?s Hastings seems a misplaced comic sidekick from another genre, but Brian Levy?s Catesby is a well-executed, dark assassin.

Director Jeremy Cole makes good use of the intimate, unique space for the most part, though there are more moments played to the back walls than necessary. Cole modifies the script well to accommodate the small cast, brilliantly utilizing the Oregon Shakespeare Festival adaptation in which Margaret returns to echo her curses each time they come to fruition. This is extremely effective, and to it, Cole adds some effective creative devices of his own, most notably the manner in which he conveys the play?s death toll. Original music by music director and violinist Hal Hughes adds to the experience, giving a cinematic feel to many of the scenes.

The small budget is most sorely felt in the costumes and props. Costume designer Paula Gruber goes the well-worn route of primarily using black, modern attire, occasionally adding colorful elements to the costumes to distinguish between characters. Given the multiple roles many of the actors must tackle, even more of this would be helpful.

Richard III is one of Shakespeare?s finest works, and there are certainly some fine elements to the Subterranean Shakespeare production playing at the Berkeley Art Center through May 20. Call 510-276-3871 for tickets and info.

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