Pakistani-American actor Faran Tahir – you may recognise him as Raza in Iron Man (2008) and Captain Robau in Star Trek (2009) – enthralled audiences as Shakespeare’s Richard III at the rehearsal stage in Babson College, showcasing his fine acting repertoire and unprecedented theatre abilities. Tahir, who is playing the character of Richard III, a 15th century king of England, described his role in such words: “I think the fascination is not that he is such an evil man. I mean, he does what he does, and he justifies it in the first soliloquy.” Although the character of Richard III is of a hunchback with an unpleasant appearance and half-murderous nature, Tahir and director Steven Maler have toned down the physical aspect to focus on his misshapen spirit, as he carves a bloody path to the throne. Tahir said that playing Richard III is a challenge for him as he aims to show a different side of a devilish and evil man. A side which common people can relate to. “The challenge to me is a bigger one: How do you find something in him that people can relate to, not just enjoy the devilish side of him? How do you explore the human side of him, the vulnerabilities? He is not without conscience, and that conscience finally catches up to him.” The Pakistani-American actor is a fourth-generation artist as his ancestors were playwrights and actors, while his father, Naeem Tahir, is acclaimed Pakistani actor. He has worked in several projects in Pakistan, but he has worked more in the United States, both in film and television. Despite his success in film and television in the US, Tahir’s commitment and dedication to theatre is commendable, said Maler. “It’s a character that has the opportunity to forge this incredible connection with the audience until they can’t any longer,” Maler said, “until they become revulsed by his actions and feel complicit in them to a certain degree, because they’ve been cheering him on.” Born in Los Angeles, Tahir returned to Pakistan at a young age with his parents but flew back to the United States for higher education. Since then, his hard work, dedication and skill has earned him a reputable place in Hollywood and he places himself among the few Pakistanis to have made it big in the US. Richard III will be playing from July 18-August 5 at Boston Common in Boston, Massachusetts.