Shakespeare's Richard II (Michael Pennington, 1990) 1/14 Video

Michael Pennington as King Richard II
Michael Cronin as Bolingbroke
Clyde Pollitt as John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster
Jack Carr - Thomas Mowbray, 1st Duke of Norfolk

Director: Michael Bogdanov

"The Wars of the Roses" (English Shakespeare Company, UK, 1990) is a direct filming, from the stage, of Michael Bogdanov and Michael Pennington's 7-play sequence based on Shakespeare's history plays.

Robert Clarke ("The tragedy of King Richard II" 1896):

The character of Richard is only gradually disclosed. No opening monologue announces his policy, like that in which Richard the Third sets before us his appalling programme of evil deeds. Little by little the materials for judging him are brought into view; and this reserve is the more remarkable, since no previous drama of Shakespeare's had led up to this, as 'Henry VI'. led up to 'Richard III'., or as Richard II. itself was to lead up to 'Henry IV'. Shakespeare will not allow us to prejudge Richard.

We see him at the outset in the situation where he shows to most advantage—on the throne, wearing with grace and ease the ceremonial dignity of kingship. His authoritativeness is not yet petulant, his eloquence not yet fantastic or trivial. Presently we get a hint of rifts in this melodious lute, but the hint is so unobtrusive as to be easily ignored. First, the vague suggestion of his complicity in Gloucester's murder (directly asserted only in i. 2); then, his helplessness before the strong wills of Bolingbroke and Mow- bray, which is rather illustrated than disguised by the skilful phrase with which he covers his retreat: " We were not born to sue, but to command", &c. (i. 1. 196 f.).

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orchote: The King is rather flaming in this one.

Stereolabdream: Excellent! I saw this production when it went to London. -thanks for giving me the chance to see it again....

Stereolabdream: its an interesting comparison between Richard II and his representation here as though he were George IV (The Prince Regent) I think...

EuchridEucrow1: I just finished reading the text yesterday. Brilliant timing! Thanks.

piterdevries: THANK YOU

Author: ShakespeareAndMore; Uploaded: Aug 13, 2009; Duration: 10:44; Views: 850

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