King John and Henry VIII

A fresh new edition of two of Shakespeare's most unusual and provocative histories, developed by and for the RSC, includes new interviews with acclaimed directors Gregory Doran, Josie Rourke and Gregory Thompson, looks at specific productions in each of the plays' histories, and includes introductions by acclaimed scholar Jonathan Bate.

From the Royal Shakespeare Company a modern, definitive edition of Shakespeare's most unusual and provocative histories. With an expert introduction by Sir Jonathan Bate, this unique edition presents a historical overview of King John and Henry VIII in performance, takes a detailed look at specific productions, and recommends film versions. Included in this edition are interviews with three leading directors Gregory Doran, Josie Rourke and Gregory Thompson  providing an illuminating insight into the extraordinary variety of interpretations that are possible. This edition also includes an essay on Shakespeare s career and Elizabethan theatre, and enables the reader to understand the play as it was originally intended as living theatre to be enjoyed and performed.

Ideal for students, theatre-goers, actors and general readers, the RSC Shakespeare editions offer a fresh, accessible and contemporary approach to reading and rediscovering Shakespeare s works for the twenty-first century.

Introduction.- King John.- Henry VIII.- About the Text.- Key Facts: King John.- The Life and Death of King John.- Textual Notes.- Scene-by-Scene Analysis.- King John in Performance: The RSC and Beyond.- Four Centuries of King John: An Overview.- At the RSC.- The Director's Cut: Interviews with Gregory Doran and Josie Rourke.- Key Facts: Henry VIII.- The Life of King Henry the Eighth.- Textual Notes.- Scene-by-Scene Analysis.- King Henry VIII in Performance.- The RSC and Beyond.- Four Centuries of King Henry VIII: An Overview.- At the RSC.- The Director's Cut: Interviews with Gregory Doran and Gregory Thompson.- Shakespeare's Career in the Theatre.- Beginnings.- Playhouses.- The Ensemble at Work.- The King's Man.- Shakespeare's Works: A Chronology.- Kings and Queens of England: From the History Plays to Shakespeare's Lifetime.- King John Family Tree.- The History Behind the Histories: A Chronology.- Further Reading and Viewing.- References.- Acknowledgements and Picture Credits