Shakespeare's Histories

Richard the Second

This production closed early due to COVID-19
January 2 – April 18, 2020 (The King’s Shadow Rep)
June 1 – June 22, 2021 (Full Histories Rep)
July 1 – 11, 2021 (Histories Marathons)
View all Richard the Second dates and times VIEW LIST
Part of the first half of Shakespeare’s Histories, The King’s Shadow

In this lyrical and hauntingly beautiful opening chapter, a philosopher king faces the specter of military overthrow. King Richard II believes his rule to be divine and untouchable. But when a scorned relative returns to England’s shores with designs for the throne, Richard must reckon not only with the fickle nature of his hollow crown, but also his own flawed humanity.

Content Warning
The staging and discussion of this play will engage with depictions of violence and death. Please be advised that blood effects will be used.
Richard the Second is generously sponsored by Steve Rudis
The Lab at Convergence
1819 N. Quaker Lane
Alexandria, VA 22302
2 hours and 30 minutes, including intermission
Regular Tickets $35
Preview Tickets $20
8-Ticket Multi-Pass $250
Marathon Package $350 (no ticket fees!)
Special Events
Thursday, January 2, 2020, 8pm: Preview – tickets $20 in advance or name your price at the door
Friday, January 3, 2020, 8pm: Preview – tickets $20 in advance or name your price at the door
Friday, January 10, 2020: Post-show talkback with the artists
Saturday, February 1, 2020, 1:30pm: Pre-show lecture
Thursday, April 16, 2020: Post-show talkback with the artists
Cast

Gary DuBreuil Richard II
John Stange Bolingbroke
Zach Brewster-Geisz Duke of York
Tom Howley John of Gaunt / Carlisle / Glendower
Dean Carlson Northumberland

Caroline Johnson Queen Isabel / Groom
Ian Blackwell Rogers Mowbray / Westminster
Duane Richards Aumerle / Berkeley
Molly E. Thomas Duchess of Gloucester / Scroop / Keeper

Joshua Williams Green / Hotspur
Michael Bannigan Jr. Bushy / Fitzwater
Jacqueline Chenault Bagot / Salisbury
Lisa Hill-Corley Lady Ross / Duchess of York / Gardener
Annette Mooney Lady Willoughby

Production Team

Charlene V. Smith Director
Marshall B Garrett Dramaturg
Casey Kaleba* Fight Director
Megan Behm Intimacy Choreographer
Amanda Forstrom Movement Director

Jordan Friend Composer / Music Director
Ryan Musil Clowning
Jen Katz Stage Manager
Kristen P Ahern Costume Designer
Megan Holden Set Designer

Jason Aufdem-Brinke Lighting Designer
Hannah Fogler Makeup Designer
Caolan Eder Properties Designer
Jenna Berk Dialect Coach

* Member of the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society, a national theatrical labor union.

Stage Directors and Choreographers Society

Their first venture [in the Histories project], Richard the Second, is a resounding success. A talented and energetic cast, led by the superb Gary DuBreuil as Richard, bring their very best to this complex but profoundly human play.

Sophia Howes, DC Metro Theater Arts

Director Charlene Smith has assembled a cast that is assured in its understanding of Shakespeare’s language; more importantly, she has nurtured some of the most creative, nuanced readings of the Bard’s famous speeches I have ever heard.

Andrew White, Broadway World

Brave Spirits has assembled a strong ensemble of actors largely at home with the language and brimming with physicality and chest-thumping energy.

John Geoffrion, DC Theatre Scene

Shakespeare’s Histories: The King’s Shadow. Directed by Charlene V. Smith. February-March 2020. Brave Spirits Theatre. Photo by Claire Kimball.
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Special Support for the Histories

The King’s Shadow is supported in part by Jason Aufdem-Brinke, the City of Alexandria, the Nora Roberts Foundation, the Virginia Commission for the Arts, The Morgan Fund at Seattle Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

City of Alexandria, Virginia
Nora Roberts Foundation
Virginia Commission for the Arts
The Morgan Fund at Seattle Foundation
National Endowment for the Arts