Henry VI, Part II Begins Performances at Actors’ Shakespeare Project
(© Stratton McCrady)
Henry VI, Part 2 starts its run at The Modern Theatre at Suffolk University. The Henry VI plays detail the political and military roots of the War of the Roses and its aftermath. Part 2 begins prior to the war and continues through its start at the Battle of St. Albans. Young King Henry’s status is anything but secure in his court, which is rife with betrayal, assassination, rumors of witchcraft and necromancy, and an ambitious wife, Queen Margaret of Anjou. After the Jake Cade Rebellion destabilizes the House of Lancaster’s reign, Richard, Duke of York, stakes his claim for the throne, beginning the wars that will lead to the rise of the villainous Richard III.
The play, written by Shakespeare, is directed by Tina Packer, and it features Steven Barkhimer as Cardinal Beaufort, Allyn Burrows as Duke of Gloucester, Jesse Hinson as King Henry VI, Jennie Israel as Queen Margaret, Marya Lowry as Duchess Eleanor, and Johnnie McQuarley as Earl of Warwick.
"The people are suffering but a young king cannot control his ambitious nobles or the desires of his newly wed wife," explains Tina Packer. "Witchcraft, the Church, public humiliation, and outright rebellion sweep across the stage as England struggles to establish itself as a United Kingdom."
The creative team includes Daniel H. Jentzen (light design), Eric Levenson (set design), Tyler Kinney (costume design), Alexander Sovronsky (composer), and Jason Asprey (violence designer).
Performances will run through June 7.
For tickets and more information, click here.
