Dec 18, 2009

The Oxford Dictionary of Plays | King John

King John (The Life and Death of King John)

Author: William Shakespeare

First Performance: c.1596–7, London

Published: 1623

Genre: Hist. drama in 5 acts; blank verse

Setting: England and France, c.1200–16.

Cast: 18m, 4f, extras

King John's claim to the throne is challenged by his young nephew, Arthur, a claim that is backed by the French King Philip. Supported by the ebullient bastard Philip Faulconbridge, John invades France, and succeeds in capturing Prince Arthur. John's new ally Hubert cannot bring himself to obey John's orders to murder Arthur, but when Arthur tries to escape, the boy falls to his death from the ramparts. At first excommunicated by the Pope, then reconciled with him once more, John has to repel an invasion of England by the Dauphin, who now lays claim to the English...

[The entire page is 296 words long]

The Oxford Dictionary of Plays | King John

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