The House of York is falling, and in the center of the collapse stands a woman fighting for the survival of her bloodline. As Atlas Shakespeare Company prepares to unveil the bloodsoaked finale of the Wars of the Roses saga, actor Joscelyne Wilmouth steps into the formidable shoes of Queen Elizabeth in Shakespeare’s Richard III.

Running from February 17 to March 1 at the Wild Project in NYC, this production serves as a psychological thriller and political melodrama, grounding the supernatural elements of curses and ghosts in a world of vivid, character-driven reality.

The Queen’s Resistance: Shakespeare as a Mirror

For Wilmouth, playing Queen Elizabeth is an exercise in exploring the “every shade of emotion” that Shakespeare provides. From soul-crushing loss to resistance against tyranny, Wilmouth sees the Queen not as a historical relic, but as a deeply relatable figure.

“Shakespeare is important because his work is so rich and layered with all the things that make us human,” Wilmouth explains. “He paints pictures with… all-encompassing greed, resistance to tyranny… it’s a reminder that no matter what we are going through, we are not alone.”

Amidst the live sword-fighting and period costumes, Wilmouth’s focus remains on the clarity of the story. She urges audiences not to be intimidated by the “heightened language,” noting that while Shakespeare can be difficult on the page, the Atlas production is designed to ensure the audience “gets it” without effort. “I think sometimes people forget that plays are meant to be seen, not read.”

The “Quiet Confidence” of the Stage

Wilmouth brings a seasoned perspective to the craft, noting the rigorous groundwork required for classical theatre. She believes the “quiet confidence” required to enthrall an audience through Shakespeare is what makes stage-trained actors so successful in modern film and television.

“I think this is in part because of the massive amount of groundwork that must be done when preparing for a Shakespearean play,” she says. This discipline is evident in her portrayal of Elizabeth, a character who must maintain her dignity while her world is dismantled by a charismatic sociopath.

A Life-Giving Production

For Wilmouth, this role represents more than just a professional milestone; it is a personal anchor. After an unexpected layoff from a long-term corporate job just two weeks before Christmas, being cast in Richard III served as a “life saver.”

“Being cast in this incredible production is not only a life saver, but a life giver,” Wilmouth shares. With her time now dedicated to her craft, she is ready to transition into acting full-time, seeking representation that matches her drive. “I have the time, the talent, and the drive… I am certain it’s a chance worth taking.”

---

Production Information

Shakespeare’s Richard III Presented by: Atlas Shakespeare Company

Venue: Wild Project, 195 East 3rd Street, NYC

Dates: February 17 – March 1

The Experience: * Full classical dress and live sword-fighting.

• Directed by Adriana Alter
• Optimized for clear storytelling and three-dimensional characterization.

Tickets: Secure your seats at atlasshakespearecompany.com/tickets