Considers the theatrical fortunes of "Richard II" from its politically controversial beginnings on the Elizabethan and Restoration stage, to its various later interpretations responding to 19th- and 20th-century tastes and attitudes. A wide range of performances is documented and discussed. These illustrate the ways in which different theatres and companies have staged the play by cutting, restructuring or adding to Shakepeare's script to highlight spectacle, the personality of the King, the nature of authority and the place of Richard in the overall sweep of English history. The text also studies "Richard II" in relation to the politics and aesthetics of post-World War II Europe, with particular attention being given to productions by Jean Vilar, Giorgio Strehler and Ariane Mnouchkine.
- ISBN10 0719046262
- ISBN13 9780719046261
- Publish Date 14 May 1998
- Publish Status Out of Print
- Out of Print 15 February 2008
- Publish Country GB
- Imprint Manchester University Press
- Format Paperback
- Pages 224
- Language English