RSC Stages Bard's Epic History Cycle

The RSC will stage the complete cycle of Shakespeare's chronological history plays, titled Throne of Kings, over two seasons in Stratford-upon-Avon. Seen initially as part of the RSC's Summer Festival 2000, this will be the first time that the company has tackled all eight plays together in their entirety. The company also hopes to bring the cycle to the London stage in summer 2001.

The plays that comprise the cycle are: Richard II; Henry IV, parts one and two; Henry V; Henry VI parts one, two and three; and Richard III. The plays span over 100 years in England's history, from the fall of the Richard II through to Richard III's defeat at the battle of Bosworth Field. The plays will be staged in chronological order in the RSC's three Stratford theatres.

RSC artistic director Adrian Noble says it is 'entirely fitting' to be staging the cycle now: 'At the end of the twentieth century, society has been consciously and subconsciously preparing and making important political changes that will affect the way we live in the next. Our art will question these choices.'

Noble opens the cycle, directing Richard II at the Other Place in spring 2000. This will be the first time that he has directed the play and the first time he has directed in the rebuilt theatre. In the Swan Theatre, principal associate director Michael Attenborough will direct the two parts of Henry IV. The first part of the Throne of Kings cycle will be completed with Henry V in the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

The cycle will resume with RSC associate director Michael Boyd directing Henry VI, rarely seen in its complete three-play form, in the Swan. Attenborough will direct Richard III, the final production in the cycle.

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