Henry VI, Part 3
The War of the Roses

  • 2009/2010 Season
  • Henry VI, Part 3 The War of the Roses
  • PLAYHOUSE

Henry VI is a central project of the third season under artistic director Uyama Hitoshi.

Uyama laid out four guiding principles when he took the reins as Artistic Director. One is "revival of the epics", or in other words, the ambitious reimagining of some of the classics.
This epic trilogy is the only historical drama in the Shakespeare canon. It is based on real events of the famous War of the Roses that took place in 15th century England. The play depicts the aspects of love, hate, and war that are universal to humankind. It focuses on the lives of a variety of people, and calls on the viewer to look for areas of commonality with modern society. A different part of Henry VI will be performed each day, and there are plans to perform all three parts on the same day.

SYNOPSIS

Having gained the advantage, the Duke of York pressures Henry to abdicate the throne. The timid king agrees to make York his heir, disinheriting his own son. Queen Margaret is furious, and leads an army to war against the Yorkists. With superior numbers, the Lancastrians win this latest battle. York himself is captured, and taunted by Margaret before being cruelly murdered. Upon learning of their father's death, Edward and Richard pledge to bring down King Henry. The war intensifies and the queen and her forces are routed, as the Yorkists emerge victorious. The Earl of Warwick proposes Edward's accession to the throne and suggests that he be married to Bona, sister-in-law of King Louis XI of France. Acting as emissary, Warwick goes to France. Edward's two brothers are created Dukes of Gloucester and Clarence, and Edward is crowned King Edward IV. Edward falls in love with the Lady Grey and they marry. Incensed, Warwick plots against Edward and the king is placed under house arrest. Edward is rescued by Richard, and leads his troops to battle. Warwick is defeated, and Margaret and Prince Edward are captured upon returning with the support of the French army. The prince is stabbed to death before his mother Margaret's eyes, and the captive King Henry is killed by Richard, who has secret ambitions to seize the throne himself.

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