Caption: In a scene from William Shakespeare's rarely-performed history play King John, the illegitimate son of Richard the Lion-Hearted, known as the Bastard (Bjorn Pederson), swears allegiance to his uncle, King John (James Pravaselis), in his fight against Arthur and his ambitious mother Constance.
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Pomp, Pageantry as Bard Continues
Shakespeare's 'King John' to be performed in Kenilworth
William Shakespeare's rarely-performed history play, King John will be presented as the third installment of the Kenilworth Public Library's outdoor theater festival, "The Bard on the Boulevard", July 17 at 7:30p.m.
This performance, by members of the Hudson Shakespeare Company, will be held under the stars at the David Brearly High School football field, located at 14th street and the Boulevard in Kenilworth.
This performance is free and open to all members of the general public. Those planning to attend must brin their own lawn chairs or other outdoor seating as no other seating is available.
In the evnet of rain, the performance will be moved indoors to the Kenilworth Public Library, located at 548 Boulevard.
King John chronicles the history of the English King John, son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine whole ruled from 1199 to 1216 and who is best remembered for his signing of the Magna Carta. Curiously, Shakespeare omitted this piece of English history from his play, focusing instead on ever shifting political alliances, a papal excommunication, and King John's evenutal poisoning by a monk.
Although contemporary play-goers rarely have the opportunity to see this play performed, it was a favorite of Victorian English audiences because of its opportunities to have pomp and pageantry on full display.
