STAGE TUBE: Cincinnati Shakespeare's Brian Isaac Phillips Talks RICHARD II and the History Cycle

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company, Cincinnati's stage for the classics, presents William Shakespeare's poetic history "Richard II", playing from tonight, January 11- February 3, 2013. This production is directed by Cincinnati Shakespeare Company Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips and features CSC Resident Ensemble Members Giles Davies, Jim Hopkins and Brent Vimtrup. Watch an interview with Phillips below!

"Richard II" is an epic tale of fading power that sheds a light on the deterioration of a kingdom and the isolation of power. King Richard (Brent Vimtrup) exiles his noblemen while seizing their land to carry on his own wars. As dissent continues to grow, a fight for the true heart of England begins and one man's celestial right to rule is called into question creating the genesis of the "War of the Roses". This production is the kick-off of a chronological history cycle and the penultimate story in CSC's quest to "Finish the Canon".

"Richard II" begins a multi-season history cycle that includes Shakespeare's "Henry IV: Part 1 & 2" and "Henry V". CSC will stage both of these in the future so audiences are encouraged to catch "Richard II" now to start the cycle. This will be the first time Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will produce "Richard II" and it is also the penultimate production in CSC's quest to "Finish the Canon". CSC will have produced Shakespeare's entire canon of 38 plays by the end of its 20th anniversary season, next season. Having already produced 36 of Shakespeare's plays, Cincinnati Shakespeare Company will produce the remaining two titles, including "Richard II" this season and the last during the 20th anniversary season in 2014. Producing Artistic Director Brian Isaac Phillips has noted that "as the company has produced Shakespeare's less familiar works, like wildly popular "Henry VIII: All is True" and "The Life and Death of King John", audiences and artists alike have discovered something wonderful in each play that expands their appreciation of Shakespeare's artistry and skill."

Cincinnati Shakespeare Company is a professional theatre company dedicated to bringing Shakespeare and the classics to life for audiences of all ages. Located in the heart of downtown Cincinnati, CSC produces a dozen mainstage productions each season. CSC employs a resident company of actors and artists who live and work in Cincinnati year-round, and performs on a Small Professional Theatre contract with Actors' Equity Association. Cincinnati Shakespeare Company's Education and Outreach Programs see an average of 18,000 students each season by taking Shakespeare into schools, parks, community centers and by hosting educational matinees of mainstage productions at its home on Race Street. In Season 20, CSC will become one of only a handful of companies worldwide to have produced Shakespeare's 38-play canon in its entirety.

For tickets, performance schedule and more information, visit www.cincyshakes.com.