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Henry VI - Part I

Henry V dies, leaving behind his heir Henry VI to take up the throne. But Henry VI is still too young to govern England. The nobles fight for power in their effort to control Henry VI’s decisions, and the English are in the midst of a war with France. A play about power and control, what decisions will be made that impact Henry VI’s future rule of the kingdom?

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Play On Shakespeare > History > Henry VI – Part I
Henry VI - Part I
Henry VI - Part II
Henry VI - Part III

At a Glance

War • English Royalty • Family • Politics

Productions, Readings & Workshops

Henry VI – Part I, II, & III

Prague Shakespeare Company | Production | July 30, 2022 | Prague, CZ
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Paperback & eBooks

By William Shakespeare
Translation by Douglas Langworthy

New versions of Shakespeare’s history plays from director and translator Douglas Langworthy. ​

In his three Henry VI plays, Shakespeare tackles the infamous Wars of the Roses and the fall of the House of Lancaster. In this translation of Henry VI, Part 1, Douglas Langworthy explores the initial unrest as a young Henry VI becomes king. Langworthy’s translation takes a deep dive into the language of Shakespeare. With a fine-tooth comb, he updates passages that are archaic and difficult to the modern ear and matches them with the syntax and lyricism of the rest of the play, essentially translating archaic Shakespeare to match contemporary Shakespeare.

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Production History

May 31, 2019

Play On! Festival NYC

Rehearsal and Staged Reading of all three parts of Henry VI. Part I was presented on May 31, 2019 and directed by Leah C. Gardiner. Part II was presented in the afternoon on June 1, 2019 and directed by Michael Barakiva. Part III was presented in the evening on June 1, 2019 and directed by Nelson T. Eusebio III. Each part was presented with a full cast as part of the Play On! Translation Festival in NYC.

Produced by:
Play On! / Classic Stage / Oregon Shakespeare Festival

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