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Overview
Synopsis
In 1924, Bertolt Brecht’s experimentations with Epic Theatre began with his production of Edward II. Inspired by Christopher Marlowe’s Renaissance play of the same name, Brecht (along with his collaborator Lion Feuchtwanger) stated that he “wanted to make possible a production which would break with the Shakespearean tradition common to German theatres: that lumpy monumental style beloved of middle-class philistines.” In Brecht’s version of Edward II, the titular king rejects the advice of his barons and indulges in a relationship with Piers Gaveston. While King Edward sates his personal desires, Anne (the queen) finds herself seduced by Lord Mortimer as England tumbles toward civil war. When King Edward is captured, he refuses to abdicate the throne, and (accurate to history) is moved throughout England as a prisoner of war until his young son takes control. Sometimes poetic, sometimes vulgar, but always aware of political influences, Brecht’s Edward II is a dynamic examination of the consequences when a monarch chooses his own desires over the interests of his country.
Show Information
- Book
- Bertolt Brecht
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Thirteen Plus (PG-13)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1924
- Genres
- Drama, Historical/Biographical, Tragedy
- Settings
- Period, Multiple Settings
- Time & Place
- Medieval England, early 1300s
- Cast Size
- large
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- College/University, Large Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Star Vehicle Male, Includes Adult, Early Teen, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Young Adult, Elderly Characters
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
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Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
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Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
Songs
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
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress