"Richard II" Dramaturgy Blog

[kscrichardii]

Elliott, John R. "History and Tragedy in Richard II." Studies in English Literature, 1500-1900 8, no. 2 (1968): 253-71.

What begins as a discussion of Richard’s “genre” actually becomes an interesting deep-dive into characterizations of Bolingbroke, Gaunt and York, and Shakespeare’s use of his sources. It also discusses Richard II as the beginning of the tetralogy as opposed to a stand-alone play (thus putting it in the “history” camp instead of a “tragedy”.)

[kscrichardii]

...at the end of [I.i], Richard asserts his linguistic supremacy by showing that he is at liberty to break the rhyme scheme at any time he chooses. In this scene, Richard is the only person who is truly at liberty to stop and start rhyme schemes as he pleases. He twice halts another character’s run of couplets as if tacitly scolding them for starting one in the first place. But no character dares to decline one of Richard’s rhymes. In this first scene of Richard II, Shakespeare shows how Richard regulates his power almost exclusively through language.”

“Ideology in Richard II and Henry IV”, from Shakespeare’s History Plays: Rethinking Historicism by Neema Parvini

[hellyescharlesedwards]

Richard + his toy horse | Richard II (2015)

Forgiveness, horse! Why do I rail on thee, Since thou, created to be awed by man, Wast born to bear?

[kscrichardii]

If you have the time and inclination to watch ONE iteration of this play, make it this one. Charles Edwards does a fantastic job as Richard, and Sturzaker’s Bolingbroke is very well-crafted. This show was one of the highlights of my time in London, and I cannot recommend it enough. Rent it here!

https://globeplayer.tv/videos/richard-ii-english

[mistressdickens]

Fiona Shaw as Richard II

[kscrichardii]

There might as well be some gauntlets thrown in this debate! Dave Cameron must be frantically looking for an honest Christian to trust him with a gauge.

[kscrichardii]

Richard II Glossary.pdf

If you need something that isn’t on here, let me know and I’ll be happy to add it!

[kscrichardii]

A helpful map to track the action of the play.

Source: http://www.pbs.org/wnet/gperf/the-hollow-crown-shakespeares-history-plays-infographics-shakespeares-game-of-the-hollow-crown/1827/

Using Shakespeare’s Richard II, Henry IV, Part 1 and Henry IV, Part 2 as your map, follow the history of rebellion in turn of the 15th centu

[kscrichardii]

A PSA About JSTOR Articles

Hello, fellow Kingsmen!

JSTOR has always been one of my go-to research sites and I love the sources they have to offer. However, they tie the knots pretty tight and they make it hard to link to research.

Until I find a better way of providing research, let’s try this: I’m going to post a link to the article, which will allow you to access the first TWO pages at no charge. If the article tickles your fancy, LET ME KNOW and I will happily print the entire article for you!

So looking forward to seeing you all tonight!

[kscrichardii]

by Marjorie Garber

[hellyescharlesedwards]

[kscrichardii]

Richard II (Globe Guide Overview)

Adapted from The Globe Guide to Shakespeare, ed. Andrew Dickinson

An EXCELLENT basic overview of the play-- adapted from the Globe Guide to Shakespeare (published by the Globe Theatre in 2016), it begins with basic textual analysis, then a synthesis of previous productions.

The Google Docs format allowed me to link some relevant YouTube clips from past productions in the bottom sections. If any of these look particularly interesting, let me know and I can do some deep diving . 

[malvoliowithin]

Richard II, William Shakespeare (1597)

[shakespearean]

Cate Blanchett as Richard II in Sydney Theatre Company’s 2009 marathon eight-hour performance of The War of the Roses, directed by Benedict Andrews. Photograph: Tania Kelley/Sydney Theatre Company