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The Life and Death of King John, a history play by William Shakespeare, dramatises the reign of John, King of England (ruled 1199–1216), son of Henry II of England and Eleanor of Aquitaine and father of Henry III of England. It is believed to have been written in the mid-1590s but was not published until it appeared in the First Folio in 1623. John (24 December 1166 – 19 October 1216), also known as John Lackland or Softsword, was King of England from 6 April 1199 until his death. His reign saw the loss of the duchy of Normandy to the French king Philip II in 1204, resulting in the collapse of most of the Angevin Empire and the subsequent growth in the power of the Capetian dynasty over the rest of the 13th century. The baronial revolt at the end of John’s reign saw the signing of the Magna Carta, a document often considered to be an early step in the evolution of the constitution of the United Kingdom. Contemporary chroniclers were mostly critical of John’s performance as king, and his reign has since been subject to significant debate and periodic revision by historians from the 16th century onwards. Historian Jim Bradbury has summarised the contemporary historical opinion of John’s positive qualities, observing that John is today usually considered a “hard-working administrator, an able man, an able general”. Nonetheless, modern historians agree that he also had many faults as king, including what historian Ralph Turner describes as “distasteful, even […]

Romeo and Juliet is an early tragedy by William Shakespeare about two teenage “star-cross’d lovers” whose “untimely deaths” ultimately unite their feuding households. The play has been highly praised by literary critics for its language and dramatic effect. It was among Shakespeare’s most popular plays during his lifetime and, along with Hamlet, is one of his most frequently performed plays. Its influence is still seen today, with the two main characters being widely represented as archetypal young lovers. (Summary from Wikipedia)     [chương_files]  

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet exacts on his uncle Claudius for murdering King Hamlet, Claudius’s brother and Prince Hamlet’s father, and then succeeding to the throne and taking as his wife Gertrude, the old king’s widow and Prince Hamlet’s mother. The play vividly portrays both true and feigned madness – from overwhelming grief to seething rage – and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption. (Summary by Wikipedia)     [chương_files]  

The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is a tragedy by William Shakespeare. Set in the Kingdom of Denmark, the play dramatizes the revenge Prince Hamlet exacts on his uncle Claudius for murdering King Hamlet, Claudius’s brother and Prince Hamlet’s father, and then succeeding to the throne and taking as his wife Gertrude, the old king’s widow and Prince Hamlet’s mother. The play vividly portrays both true and feigned madness – from overwhelming grief to seething rage – and explores themes of treachery, revenge, incest, and moral corruption. (Summary by Wikipedia) Cast: Bernardo: Ernst Pattynama Francisco, Cornelius, Gentleman, Danes, Osric: Martin Geeson Horatio: Robert Hoffman Marcellus: Kristingj Claudius, Second Clown: Elizabeth Klett Voltimand: David Lawrence Laertes: Nathanial W.C. Higgins Polonius, Fortinbras, Servant, Danes: Algy Pug Hamlet: Arielle Lipshaw Gertrude: Amy Gramour Ophelia: Miss Avarice Ghost, First Player, Player King: Bob Gonzalez Reynaldo: April Gonzales Rosencrantz: Grace Guildenstern: Chuck Williamson Player Queen: CaprishaPage Prologue, Lucianus: Emily Feuka Captain, Danes, First Priest: Wupperhippo First Sailor, Danes: Ric F Messenger: Anna Simon First Clown, First Ambassador: Alan Mapstone Lord: Aidan Brack Narrator: Cynthia Moyer Audio edited by Arielle Lipshaw     [chương_files]  

Two households, both alike in dignity, In fair Verona, where we lay our scene, From ancient grudge break to new mutiny, Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean. From forth the fatal loins of these two foes A pair of star-cross’d lovers take their life; Whose misadventured piteous overthrows Do with their death bury their parents’ strife. (Summary from the Prologue) Cast: Narrator: Laurie Anne Walden Romeo: mb Juliet: Beth Thomas Nurse: Arielle Lipshaw Friar Laurence: Denny Sayers Mercutio: Eden Rea-Hedrick Tybalt: Grace Benvolio: MarcyT Lady Capulet: Elizabeth Klett Capulet: John Trevithick Montague: alanmapstone Paris: Libby Gohn Prince: Algy Pug Additional voices: April Gonzales, Ethan Hardman, J.J. Wazman, James Silverstein, Kimberly Krause, Loveday, Lyn Silva, Sally Mc, ToddHW, and Wupperhippo Edited by Kimberly Krause and Esther ben Simonides     [chương_files]