What are the qualities or characteristics of a great leader? What happens when a country is ruled by someone who lacks these qualities or characteristics? And what happens to that country when it becomes paralyzed by partisan infighting and political backstabbing?
These are just some of the questions raised by William Shakespeare’s early history plays, which remain as relevant today as they were when they were first written and performed more than 400 years ago.
In two sessions, we will examine the plays Henry VI and Richard III and their representation of the 15th century English civil wars known today as the Wars of the Roses.
We will discuss the central themes, as well as some of their most memorable characters, including Joan of Arc, Margeret of Anjou, Henry VI and Richard III.
Finally, we will consider how Shakespeare used the political conflicts of 15th century England to comment indirectly on the fears and anxieties of his own time, and how the producers of recent TV adaptations have attempted to use them as a critical lens through which to view the dysfunctional political culture of our own time.
Because Shakespeare’s plays are best understood in performance, we will focus on specific stage and TV productions of these early history plays, including Barton and Hall’s The Wars of the Roses and the recent BBC production starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Dame Judy Dench, Hugh Bonneville and Tom Sturridge.
Paul Tyndall has taught courses in literature, film and popular culture at universities across the country and recently retired from teaching in the KPU English department.
Fee: $20 (session one of two)
Guest presenter: Dr. Paul Tyndall
Facilitator: Heather Cross
Registrations are open until: Tuesday, December 2nd
For registration information, please visit:
https://app.amilia.com/store/en/kpu/shop/activities/6057642
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