Undiscovered Shakespeare: King John
Session 1: February 10th, 2022 6:30pm-8:30pm
Executive Producer
King John: Synopsis
France threatens England with war, claiming that King John has usurped the throne from its rightful claimant, his nephew Arthur. Armies from both France and England seek support from the town of Angers which proposes that John’s niece marry the dauphin of France to solve the issue. The parties agree, but the wedding and proposed peace are interrupted by the arrival of an emissary of the Pope who, angry at John for his treatment of the church in France, rekindles the war. France invades England and John plots to have Arthur murdered. When Arthur falls from a wall and dies, the English lords, convinced that John is responsible, abandon his cause and join France. John tries to reconcile with the Church to forestall his defeat by the French, but the Dauphin refuses to back down. The English lords, however, learning that the French mean to kill them after the victory, change sides again. France sues for peace, but the news comes too late to John, who dies, poisoned by a monk.
Before the Play Begins...
Upon the death without issue of King Richard I (“Richard Coeur de Lion”), his youngest and only surviving brother John has become king of England and ruler of the Angevin Empire that occupies much of France. However, as the son of John’s older brother Geoffrey, the young Arthur of Brittany has a rival claim to the throne. Arthur’s mother, the widowed Constance, has urged King Philip of France to challenge John’s right to rule.
The Company
Dramaturgy
Special Thanks
Ariane Helou
Will Block