Richard II Preview

Richard II

Written by William Shakespeare

Directed by Henry Woronicz

Part of the Complete the Canon Project and the second play in the History Cycle

Ivers as Richard II, Bull as Bollingbrook, Richard II 2013

Key Characters:

KING RICHARD II, grandson of King Edward and son of Edward the Black Prince, is king of England when the play opens. Played by David Ivers

QUEEN, Richard’s wife. Played by Melissa Graves

JOHN OF GAUNT, Duke of Lancaster, Richard’s uncle and Henry Bolingbroke’s father, is an elder statesman and the epitome of honor and patriotism. Played by Dan Kremer

HENRY BOLINGBROKE, John of Gaunt’s son, duke of Hereford, claimant to his father’s dukedom of Lancaster, and later King Henry IV. Played by Larry Bull

EDMUND OF LANGLEY, Duke of York, King Richard and Bolingbroke’s uncle. Played by Dan Frezza

DUKE OF AUMERLE, York’s son and the Earl of Rutland, cousin to Richard and Bolingbroke. Played by Drew Shirley

EARL OF NORTHUMBERLAND, supporter of Bolingbroke. Played by Brian Vaughn

Synopsis:

Shining a poetic spotlight on the beginning of the War of the Roses, this tragic tale perfectly mixes Shakespeare’s lush language with the history of England. In the process, it reveals a sensitive but flawed king, Richard II, who is deposed by his efficient but passionless cousin, Henry IV, raising questions about the crown, order, and the role of government.

You can learn more about Richard II at http://www.bard.org/plays/richardII2013.html

Richard II opens on September 21 and plays through October 19. You can purchase tickets online at www.bard.org or by calling 800-PLAYTIX.

Dan Kremer

Brian Vaughn