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Overview

Synopsis

Playwright Robert Bolt had a long-standing fascination with the story of Sir Thomas More, an English statesman and lawyer who served as Lord High Chancellor of England under King Henry VIII. More fractured his relationship with the monarchy when he refused to take the Oath of Supremacy swearing allegiance to the monarchy as the head of the Church of England. He also refused to legitimize the annulment of Henry’s marriage to Catherine of Aragon. The intrigue surrounding the plot to secure the divorce and More’s subsequent persecution is the basis of A Man for All Seasons. Narrated by a man identified only as Common Man (who also plays a number of ensemble parts), the play follows More as he is confronted by antagonistic forces like the powerful Cardinal Wolsey and the opportunistic Richard Rich. King Henry VIII himself makes an appearance as well, portrayed as a youthful drunkard burdened by sin but determined to overcome God’s punishment and secure an heir to the throne. With moments of rich humor and transparent theatricality, the play is an homage to the style of Bertolt Brecht that paints a portrait of More not as a heroic martyr but as a victim of his own sense of morality.

Show Information

Category
Play
Age Guidance
Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
1960
Genres
Drama, Historical/Biographical
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
England, 1530s
Cast Size
medium
Orchestra Size
None
Dancing
None
Ideal For
professional theatre, community theatre, religious organization, Professional Theatre, Ensemble Cast, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Late Teen Characters, Medium Cast

Context


Plot


Characters

Name Part Size Gender Vocal Part

Thomas More

Lead

Male

Non-singer

Richard Rich

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Duke of Norfolk

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Alice More

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

Thomas Cromwell

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Chapuys

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

William Roper

Supporting

Male

Non-singer

Margaret More

Supporting

Female

Non-singer

The Common Man

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Boatman

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Publican

Featured

Male

Non-singer

Cardinal Wolsey

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

King Henry VIII

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Steward

Ensemble

Male

Non-singer

Songs

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A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.

Monologues

All monologues are the property and copyright of their owners.. Monologues are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this monologue, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Scenes

All scenes are the property and copyright of their owners. Scenes are presented on StageAgent for educational purposes only. If you would like to give a public performance of this scene, please obtain authorization from the appropriate licensor.

Key Terms

    Theatre that is inspired by the work of Bertolt Brecht, especially in its use of unconventional storytelling, political message, and experimentalism.

    A senior member of the Catholic Church

    When an actor breaks the fourth wall to speak directly to the audience.

    Hunting game using a trained hawk

    A senior member of the government of the United Kingdom. They are appointed by the King or Queen and act as the head of the judiciary, or courts

    Attempting to overthrow the government of one's own country or assisting the country's enemies

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Themes, Symbols & Motifs

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Guide Written By:

Kevan Dunkelberg

Kevan Dunkelberg

Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright