A mad world of mad kings, teetering on the brink of disaster. Shakespeare’s rarely performed tale of a nation in turmoil vibrates with modern resonance in this vivid new production.
In Shakespeare’s King John, the English monarch and Queen Eleanor reject a French claim to the throne on behalf of John’s nephew, Arthur. This defiance sparks war, during which Eleanor identifies Philip Faulconbridge as the illegitimate son of Richard Lionheart. He is knighted as Sir Richard (the Bastard) and joins the royal army.
In France, King Philip attacks Angiers to support Arthur. King John arrives to defend his sovereignty. Amidst heated arguments between Eleanor and Arthur’s mother, Constance, the town of Angiers refuses to take sides until a victor emerges. Following an inconclusive battle at Angiers leads to a strategic marriage between John’s niece, Blanche, and the Dauphin, Louis. This political capitulation infuriates both Constance, who mourns her son’s lost inheritance, and the Bastard, who resolves to seek his own fortune. However, Cardinal Pandolph excommunicates John, forcing the French to resume hostilities. John captures Arthur and orders his death, though the boy tragically dies attempting to escape.
Believing John murdered the prince, the English nobles defect to support a French invasion. As the kingdom collapses, John is poisoned and dies in agony. The French eventually retreat after losing their supply ships at sea. The play concludes with the crowning of John’s son – Prince Henry as Henry III and a final, stirring speech by the Bastard on the necessity of English unity against foreign intervention.
Performance followed by a discussion with the creative team, moderated by ESRA - European Shakespeare Research Association.
