A frivolous king. A reluctant prince. A country on the verge of collapse. The first two plays in Shakespeare’s history cycle chronicle civil wars and the rise and fall of kings. After a faction of ambitious noblemen overthrow the young King Richard II, England is plunged into chaos and uncertainty. When the dust settles, there may be a new ruler…but at what cost?
Richard II is a tragic figure who is undone by his own arrogance and lack of understanding. He is overthrown by Henry Bolingbroke, who later becomes Henry IV, and spends the rest of his life in exile. Richard’s fall from power provides a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of English politics.
Richard II is a masterful exploration of the human condition, and is one of Shakespeare’s most poetic and lyrical plays. It is a must-see for any fans of Shakespeare’s work.