STAGE TUBE: Sneak Peek of MARY STUART at Stratford Festival

Examining the power struggle between two legendary monarchs, Mary Stuart offers a timely exploration of the often dangerous relationship between religion and politics. Directed by the Festival's Artistic Director, Antoni Cimolino, Friedrich Schiller's gripping historical drama, in a new version by Peter Oswald, began previews on Friday, May 3, at the Tom Patterson Theatre. Check out highlights below!

For the first time since 2005's Fallen Angels, two of the Festival's most celebrated leading women - Seana McKenna and Lucy Peacock - will be sharing the stage. Ms Peacock will play the title role opposite Ms McKenna as Elizabeth I. The cast also features Ben Carlson as Lord Burleigh, Brian Dennehy as the Earl of Shrewsbury and Geraint Wyn Davies as the Earl of Leicester.

Mary Stuart, former Queen of Scots, is imprisoned in England because her very existence poses a political and personal risk to her Protestant cousin, Elizabeth I. As Elizabeth hesitates over decreeing her rival's fate, Mary pleads for a face-to-face meeting, and we see how religion can become a tool in the hands of cynical politicians who are willing to sacrifice lives in the supposed interests of the state.

The production's artistic team includes Designer Eo Sharp, Lighting Designer Steven Hawkins, Sound Designer Todd Charlton, Movement Coach Shona Morris and Fight Director John Stead.