THE LAST WIFE Comes to Ensemble Theatre

Ensemble Theatre will stage the Australian Premiere of Kate Hennig's THE LAST WIFE opening 30 August, which takes a fresh look at this stunning historical drama examining the dangerous sparring between King Henry VIII and his last wife, Katherine Parr, during a very complex and bloody time in English history.

Henry VIII was King of England from 1509 until his death in 1547 but it seems Henry is best known for his six marriages.

Mark Kilmurry, Artistic Director of Ensemble Theatre who is also directing THE LAST WIFE said Canadian writer Kate Hennig has fiercely examined this period in history through a contemporary lens with wit and seduction as Henry's last and most influential wife, Katherine Parr, navigates the waters of gender politics, patriarchy, sexuality and women's rights. She must live by her wits if she wants to avoid becoming another statistic on Henry's growing list of dead wives. This thrilling production comes to life with an outstanding and accomplished cast in this sexually driven and potent play.

Katherine Parr was an accomplished woman who we should all know more about. I hope this play encourages you to pick up a book about her, and explore this chapter in our feminist past said writer Kate Hennig.

Smart and confident, Katherine Parr became the restorer of Henry VIII's court, uniting his children and making sure they were presented to the world as a close-knit family. She was instrumental in his legitimate children's educations and passed legislation that made his previously illegitimate children, legitimate again.

Though she is known as one of Henry VIII's wives, Katherine Parr created her own place in history. Having been married four times (Henry was her third husband), she became the most married queen of England.

Director:
Mark Kilmurry

Assistant Director:
Adam Deusien

Cast:
Emma Chelsey
Emma Harvie
Simon London
Nikki Shiels
Bishanyia Vincent
Ben Wood

PRICES: $43-$80 (booking charges may apply)
BOOKINGS: 02 8918 3400 or www.ensemble.com.au

RUNNING TIME: Approx. 2 hours, 30 minutes including interval

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