In Short…Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 22nd season under the tents in Vanier Park with Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses. This exciting adaptation of Henry VI, Parts I, II & II, directed by Christopher Weddell, launches the Douglas Campbell Studio Stage programming on June 30. The play runs Tuesdays to Sundays, June 30 to September 21, 2011, under the tents in Vanier Park. Tickets $21 to $40. Box office: 604-739-0559 or www.bardonthebeach.org.
Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival continues its 22nd season and concludes its History Cycle with Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses. This thrilling new adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Parts I, II & III launches the programming in the intimate 240-seat Douglas Campbell Studio Stage tent. Directed by veteran Bard Artistic Associate Christopher Weddell, Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses plays Tuesdays through Sundays June 30 through September 21 in Vanier Park.
After King Henry V’s sudden death, England is shattered by a vicious struggle between the rival houses of York and Lancaster, represented by the white and the red rose. Naïve and godly, King Henry VI struggles to pacify a nation in turmoil as rabble-rousers and ambitious relatives take turns trying to overthrow the ineffectual King. In this original Bard adaptation, Christopher Weddell distills the trilogy into a single thrilling narrative filled with dirty politics, illicit romance, family violence – and witchcraft.
England’s great warrior king, Henry V, has died unexpectedly, leaving his son, the very young Henry VI (Josue Laboucane), on the throne. The powerful men around the young King are at odds with one another, jockeying for power and influence. In the midst of this domestic strife, England struggles to maintain control in France. Little by little, all the territory that Henry V had won is lost, a casualty of the miraculous leadership of France’s Joan La Pucelle (Melissa Dionisio). Although a young woman from a humble background, Joan claims guidance from God, inspires the French armies including the Duke of Burgundy and leads them to spectacular victories before she is captured and sentenced to be burned at the stake. Meantime, Henry VI sends the Earl of Suffolk (Craig Erickson) to France, where he meets Margaret of Anjou (Linda Quibell) and falls in love with her. Already married, Suffolk cannot marry Margaret himself, so he decides she should be King Henry VI’s queen – but also his lover. Together, Queen Margaret and Suffolk plot to overthrow the powerful Gloucester and Winchester. A different type of trouble then begins to brew, as the Duke of York (Scott Bellis) explains to the powerful Earl of Warwick (Mike Stack) that he has a more valid claim to the throne than the current King. In order to test his claim with the people, York convinces a commoner to claim the crown through descent from Mortimer. York and his sons including Rutland (Dustin Freeland) backed by Warwick, openly challenge the King’s authority. Civil war ensues, with many deaths. York’s sons prevail, and the oldest, Edward, becomes King Edward IV (Joel Wirkkunen). Warwick begins to make arrangements for King Edward’s politically strategic marriage to the French King’s sister, but Edward suddenly decides to marry Lady Elizabeth Grey (Jillian Fargey), a beautiful English widow with a large family. Dishonoured and disenfranchised, Warwick returns to Queen Margaret and the Lancastrian side (Nicola Lipman, Gerry Mackay, Allan Morgan, Kyle Rideout) and the civil war resumes. At the battle of Barnet, Warwick is killed. Then at the battle of Tewkesbury, Queen Margaret’s forces are defeated and captured. Edward IV’s brother, Richard (Bob Frazer), kills the Queen’s young son, Edward (Michael Wilkinson) and then leaves to murder the ousted King Henry in prison. King Edward IV returns to the throne with his queen, Elizabeth, and they celebrate the birth of their son. However, his brother Richard is already plotting his downfall…
Under the direction of Christopher Weddell, Studio Stage Set Designer Pam Johnson revisits the thrust stage designs of past History Cycle productions and adds contemporary elements of corrugated metal and concrete. Sound Designer Patrick Pennefather’s original score draws on historical research blended with modern and medieval anthems. Costume Designer Sheila White brings a fresh approach with a naturalistic, modern-medieval haute couture look. Lighting Designer Adrian Muir distinguishes the many locations as Fight Director Nicholas Harrison guides the extensive battles with added movement by Choreographer Treena Stubel. Stage Manager Joanne P.B. Smith is assisted by Samara Van Nostrand (Assistant Stage Manager) and Rebecca Mulvihill (Apprentice Stage Manager).
Performance details for Henry VI: The Wars of the Roses, are as follows:
- OPENS: July 6. PREVIEWS: June 30, July 1, 2, 3, and 5.
- Runs Tuesdays through Sundays from June 30 to September 21 – Douglas Campbell Studio Stage in Vanier Park.
- Plays in repertory with Richard III which begins July 13 in previews.
- Bard Explored: Lecture & Discussion Series – June 25, July 16 & 23, August 6, 13 & 27, September 3 & 17
Play ticket prices include reserved seating, HST and are $40 (evenings) and $21 to $33 (previews & matinees) with a new $30 Youth Rate (25 years and under) for evening performances only. Order on-site, by phone at 604-739-0559 or on-line at www.bardonthebeach.org.
