Monarch. Prisoner. Corpse. Sport For Jove Theatre Company presents a contemporary take on Christopher Marlowe’s 1593 tragic masterpiece, Edward II at the Seymour Centre until 17 October 2015.
Shortly after his coronation, Kind Edward II obtains his lover Gaveston from exile, lavishing him with titles and riches. Their all-consuming lust alienates the King’s wife, makes enemies of his nobles, eclipses the law, and threatens to destroy the nation.
As one of the earliest English history plays, Edward II is a classic tale of land, law and desire, and of a King who treated the nation as his playground. The play is a political story with many relevant plot lines to today’s political spectrum, including its exploration of power and control.
“Like the ancient Greeks, Marlowe explores how excess and passion always leads to catastrophe and destruction. It was these ideas that attracted me to the play,” says director Terry Karabelas. “A historical tragedy that although written in the sixteenth century, transcends time and speaks to our contemporary world where the personal is political and the political is always driven by the personal.”
“In a contemporary world where we are still debating the right of gay men and women to marry, where personal desires and beliefs have a profound effect on politics and policy, the text takes on a profound resonance.”
Christopher Marlowe was an English playwright, poet and translator of the Elizabethan era. Marlowe was the foremost Elizabethan tragedian of his day. He greatly influenced William Shakespeare, who was born in the same year as Marlowe and who rose to become the pre-eminent Elizabethan playwright after Marlowe’s mysterious early death. His plays are known for the use of blank verse and their overreaching protagonists and include: The Jew of Malta, The Massacre at Paris, and Doctor Faustus.
Director: Terry Karabelas Featuring: Angela Bauer, Barry French, Belinda Hoare, Edmund Lembke-Hogan, Gabriel Fancourt, Georgia Adamson, James Lugton, Julian Garner, Michael Whalley, Richard Hilliar, Simon London Set Designer: Alicia Clements Sound Designer & Videography: David Stalley Lighting Designer: Ross Graham Costume Designer: Melanie Liertz Fight Director / Movement: Scott Witt Stage Manager: Lija Simpson Assistant Stage Manager: Michelle McKenzie
Edward II
Reginald Theatre – Seymour Centre, Corner City Road and Cleveland Street, Chippendale
Season continues to 17 October 2015
Bookings: (02) 9351 7940 or online at: www.seymourcentre.com
For more information, visit: www.sportforjove.com.au for details.
Image: Edward II – courtesy of Sport for Jove Theatre Company