James Ricks and Scott Wichmann didn't know each other or the fact that both had a long-term interest in Shakespeare until they performed together in "Scapino!" at Barksdale Theatre three years ago.

"When Scott and I met we started talking about Shakespeare and our secret Shakespeare wish list," Ricks explained as he sipped on an iced coffee at the Crossroads Coffee & Ice Cream.

"'Richard III' was on the top of both of our lists. We talked about the things that attracted us to it like the themes and the richness of the character."

Now, the two 34-year-olds are teaming up in the upcoming production of "Richard III" at Henley Street Theatre Company.

Ricks is directing and Wichmann is starring as the power-hungry Richard. Both were instrumental in finding a home for the production.

Take note: This isn't your grandfather's "Richard III."

This production will have audiences contemplating not only Shakespeare's powerful dialogue but also the role that the media plays in the dissemination of information.

Set in modern times, the Henley Street production will include eight 15-to-45-second video segments between scenes.

Political themes, which once again are saturating current news broadcasts, will play into the videos. Ricks has been toying with the idea of using the technology for quite some time.

"We're creating this world," he explained. "We're using the videos as a component of the media; as a source of information. We're trying not to liken it to any kind of regional or government parallels."

Ricks hasn't altered Shakespeare's language in any way. He wouldn't dream of it for it's the language that first drew Ricks to the English Bard when Ricks was in high school.

"That's what popped with me," he said. "I'm a very language-oriented, word guy on that kind of nerdy level."

Even though, as Ricks admits, some of Shakespeare's tales aren't winners when it comes to appeal, he is always intrigued with the structure of Shakespeare's words, the characters and the relationships.

"They are all a big part of the appeal," he said."Richard III" is the first Shakespeare play where the lead in the story engages the audience.

In the first few minutes, the audience witnesses both Richard's charm and his dark character.

"One of the strengths of the play is the charisma of Richard," observed Ricks. "He sets the tone by coming right to us and telling us that he is a villain who is going to bring down the system and get the throne."

Richard may appear two-faced but in reality he has three faces. The third – the one that Ricks is excited about exploring -- is the face that Richard presents in front of an audience.

"Sometimes your ugliness can't escape the camera," Ricks said. "You let things slip. We present that with the modern media component."

Wichmann, who just finished a long stint as Nathan Detroit in Barksdale's "Guys and Dolls," was drawn to Richard's dark personality.

"I read the play and thought it's an interesting challenge to play a villain," he said. "I come from a comedy background so this is the polar opposite."

He's been interested in this production since Ricks came up with the idea of using video segments. "It's a dynamic storytelling tool," he said. "It's a unique way to present certain elements of the play."

Ricks hopes the modern treatment will bring more people into the theater. "It's a familiar reference point," he says. "What we are trying to create is a conceptual presentation that is relevant and protects the themes and the language of Shakespeare."

"Richard III" will be presented by Henley Street Theatre Company from Sept. 25 through Oct. 18 at Pine Camp Cultural Arts Center, 4901 Old Brook Road. Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for students. R.A.P.T. and city of Richmond workers, $10 previews. For more information, call (804) 340-0115 or go to www.henleystreetthreatre.org.