2009 Season - Genesius Guild

Shakespeare: Henry VI - parts 1 & 2

Henry VI part 2 was the play that set Shakespeare apart form his contemporaries in his day. This play is focused on the struggle for power among the nobles during the reign of Henry VI, who came into power when 9 months old.

It sets up the real “war of the roses”, that between the House of York and the House of Lancaster. This struggle comes to fruition in Henry VI, part 3.

Henry VI part 1 is thought to be written last in this trilogy... a prequel. It focuses on the war with the French, which the English lost. Joan of Ark plays a very central and interesting role as the English thought her to be a witch (she could not have defeated them otherwise.

Another featured character of Henry VI, part 1 is John Talbot a much celebrated English hero. This play also contains the famous line, "The first thing we do is shoot all the lawyers".

2009 production photos ~ Photos 1 ~ Photos 2 ~ Photos 3 ~ Photos 4

See Henry VI parts 1 & 2 in the Play Resources

2009 Print Program