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Henry VI - Part II

After an intense battle for power between the nobles in England, young Henry VI chooses for his wife Maraget of Anjou, a marriage arrangement that not only increases tensions between the factions of York and Lancaster, but also those between France and England. The Duke of York begins planning his claim to the throne.

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

At a Glance

War • English Royalty • Family • Revenge • Politics

Productions, Readings & Workshops

The Wars of the Roses

November 7 – 14, 2024 | Shakespeare Dallas | Readings | Dallas, TX, USA
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Henry VI – Part I, II, & III

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

Henry VI - Part 2

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 2, Douglas Langworthy follows the increasing tensions as the Duke of York foments rebellion against the crown. 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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