[Don Jones]

Thanks Brian,

Actually "faux Shakespeare" was my invention but one out of ignorance of the true term "cod Shakespeare". I will use the latter from now on. Thanks.

John,

Thanks.

You're correct that "smear campaign" is a bit much. It is also true that you had better not give a nuanced picture to the Tudors when dealing with Richard III on stage. He had to be the fall guy whose end presaged the birth of England's rise as a world power. Who's to argue in favor of a bygone king long buried under what is now a parking lot?

My exercise simply dismisses the details that have somewhat "un-manned" Richard via Shakespeare, namely that he was twisted and frail (no limp, no hunchback).

Added in: Actually, the new Richard isn't boring. Now we know how high-spirited he was. The chronicles all tell of the man's bravery, but upon finding his skeletal remains it shows you what a strong mind and will can do for a man of such small and contorted stature. You have to give the man some credit for pluck.

Admittedly, though, a nuanced rehabilitation of R-III won't stand up to the tour de force of the play. So, a villain he will have to remain in our imaginations.

Don