| What happens when one of Shakespeare’s greatest villains swaps the English throne for a high school election? |
| The answer is TEENAGE DICK — Mike Lew’s razor-sharp, darkly comic reimagining of Richard III that transforms Shakespeare’s tale of ambition, manipulation and revenge into a fierce battle for popularity, power and survival in the unforgiving world of American high school politics. Directed by internationally acclaimed theatre-maker Pelenakeke Brown, TEENAGE DICK plays at The Court Theatre from 12 September to 10 October. At the centre of the story is Richard — brilliant, funny, charismatic and perpetually underestimated. Tired of being bullied and dismissed, he sets his sights on becoming senior class president. But climbing to the top will require far more than popularity. As Richard manipulates friendships, destroys rivals and bends the truth to suit his ambitions, the line between underdog and villain becomes increasingly blurred. More than 400 years after Shakespeare created one of theatre’s most fascinating antiheroes, playwright Mike Lew asks what Richard III might look like today. The result is a fast-paced, wickedly funny and surprisingly moving story that proves the politics of the school corridor can be every bit as ruthless as the politics of a royal court. The play was commissioned by New York theatre company The Apothetae, which champions work exploring disability on stage. Its founding artistic director, Gregg Mozgala, saw an opportunity to revisit one of theatre’s most famous disabled characters through a contemporary lens, collaborating with Lew to create a work that has since become one of the most celebrated modern adaptations of Shakespeare. Leading The Court Theatre cast is acclaimed Australian actor Joel Jago as Richard. Described by The Sydney Morning Herald as “utterly magnetic”, Jago takes on one of contemporary theatre’s most complex and compelling roles. Joining him is award-winning Australian actor Crystal Nguyen as Buck — Richard’s closest friend, confidante and moral compass — alongside Reylene Rose Hilaga as Clarissa, Jordi Rea as Eddie, Sophie Harris as Anne and Christy Sullivan as teacher Elizabeth. Like Shakespeare’s original Richard, this Richard speaks directly to the audience, drawing them into his schemes with irresistible charm. Audiences become his confidants, cheering him on even as his quest for power takes increasingly dangerous turns. For Shakespeare lovers, TEENAGE DICK is packed with clever references and ingenious contemporary counterparts. Buckingham becomes Buck, Clarence becomes Clarissa, King Edward becomes Eddie, while the battle for England is transformed into a race for student body president. There’s no homework required when it comes to knowing your Shakespeare, though! At its heart, TEENAGE DICK is a gripping, funny and emotionally charged story about friendship, first love, bullying, identity and the dangerous allure of power. It asks timeless questions that feel just as urgent today: How far will someone go to get what they want? Can cruelty ever be justified? And why are we so often willing to follow charismatic leaders, even when we know they’re making the wrong choices? Since premiering in New York, TEENAGE DICK has earned international acclaim for its bold reinvention of Shakespeare’s classic and its fresh, contemporary perspective on one of literature’s most enduring stories. Darkly funny, provocative and unexpectedly moving, TEENAGE DICK proves that some battles for power never change — only the playground. |
| TEENAGE DICK 12 September to 10 October 2026 Court Theatre – Chrischurch Bookings |
