'Edward II' by Marlowe to Premiere at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre

Edward II, by Christopher Marlowe, directed and adapted by Sean Graney will premiere Upstairs at Chicago Shakespeare Theater October 1 – November 9, 2008.

Shakespeare's brilliant contemporary and rival playwright, Christopher Marlowe, penned Edward II at the end of his brief life. Now, his vicious exploration of power and persuasion explodes on to the stage in this innovative promenade production, directed by The Hypocrites' Sean Graney, where standing audience members are able-and encouraged-to move freely about the playing area throughout the 85-minute performance. Edward II marks a CST debut for both Marlowe and Graney.

The cast is as follows:
Karen Aldridge
Queen Isabella
   
Kareem Bandealy
Bishop of Coventry
   
La Shawn Banks
Gaveston/Lightborn

Jeffrey Carlson
Edward II
   
Lea Coco
Earl of Kent
   
Scott Cummins
Mortimer

Kurt Ehrmann
Mortimer the elder/Marevis
   
Zach Gray
Prince Edward
   
Erik Hellman
Spencer

John Lister
Bishop of Canterbury
   
Chris Sullivan
Lancaster/Rice ap Howell

King Edward II is overjoyed by the return of Piers Gaveston, once banished from England by Edward's recently deceased father, Edward I. The nobles are enraged at the riches and attention that the king lavishes upon a commoner rather than tending to affairs of state. Most devastated by Edward's neglect is Isabella, his queen. Mortimer, Lancaster and other noblemen force the king to banish Gaveston, but, hoping to gain her husband's favor, Isabella intercedes on Gaveston's behalf. Mortimer agrees only so that later he can have Gaveston murdered. When Edward refuses to ransom Mortimer's uncle captured in battle, Mortimer finds an excuse to turn on Gaveston and have him executed.

Gaveston's death sends Edward into the arms of Spencer, a gentleman who soon begins to take Gaveston's place. The queen enters into an affair with Mortimer and, escaping with the prince-heir apparent to the throne-joins the rebels. Edward is captured and forced to abdicate in favor of his son, and Mortimer becomes lord protector. Murder and treason must be dealt with before Edward III becomes king.

For more information please visit www.chicagoshakes.com