PAGE TWO" 'U' PLAYERS: Effective Direction, Revision Mark Success of 'Henry VI' THE MICHIGAN DAILY ..... U TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30.1965' - .t By GAIL BLUMBERG Magazine Editor Although all three parts of the University Players' production of Shakespeare's Henry VI are not uniform in excellence, the trilogy, as a whole, is highly successful. Skillful cutting and revision of the plays made it possible for each one to be enjoyed and under- stood as a unified drama, without sacrificing the continuity of the larger epic.' Direction, staging and costum- ing remained excellent throughout the production. It is up to the director to breathe life into the weak and basically humorless characters of tlese plays written by an immature Shakespeare. The direction here resulted in char- acters who were well-rounded in- dividuals, dramatically distinct from one another ii their motiva- tionsand actions. Not only did this create a deeper, more compelling, drama, but practically speaking, it made it possible to follow the plot developments as more natural eyents leading from the actions of personalities. both the staging and costuming also served a dual function of an artistic and practical nature. The costumes were extremely attrac- tive, done in opulent velvets and silks; not only historically ac- curate, but appropriate to the individual character. This appro- priateness, as well as the use of red and white roses pinned on costumes, made it easier to iden- tify the two feuding factions. The skillful and strategic grouping of characters on the stage served a similar purpose. While the acting on the part of the major characters was uniform- ly good, there were five character- izations outstanding for their con- sistency, their dramatic strength and dynamism. One was Richard Plantagenet, Duke of York, played by Robert McGill. Richard, the central figure in the Yorkist fight for the throne, warrier, father of two kings, is rather a static figure in the earlier parts of the trilogy. It isn't until Part III that we see Richard as an intelligent, compassionate man, arid Robert McOill as a fine actor. The death scene*