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b a c k s t o r y A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Your behind-the-scenes look at TimeLine productions

yesterday’s stories. today’s topics. message fromthe artistic directorconnection pj powers a man for all seasonsthe play Dear Friends, It’s a story that has withstood not only into By Directed by Edward Sobel nov ember 5 – december 18, 2005 the tests of time as a relevant the grey previews 11/1 – 11/4 Welcome to the inaugural examination of religious doctrine areas of the edition of Backstory, your behind- stepping into the arena of political arguments First staged in 1960, Robert Bolt’s masterpiece is a ferocious battle between church and state, faith and the-scenes look at TimeLine’s affairs. Throughout history these themselves, politics, and one man’s struggle to maintain his principles when he is pressured to abandon them. When upcoming production! For years strange bedfellows have struck but into the England’s Lord Chancellor, Sir , is asked by Henry VIII to annul his marriage so he can re-marry, we’ve heard about how much a very personal chord in each grey areas that lurk inside each More is torn between serving his King or staying true to his beliefs. His defiance of Henry ignites a political you appreciate the ways we of us while igniting heated and character as they seek to reconcile firestorm and forces More to pay the price of his disloyalty. share our research and give you righteous screaming matches, and their own conscience. an insider’s view of our produc- from high-atop our respective tion process. Expanding on that And amidst all the shouting, soap boxes we seem incapable of idea, this new publication will be finger-pointing and ever-widen- playwright robert bolt rational discussion when issues of mailed exclusively to all TimeLine ing partisan schism that we face the playwright church and state collide. All too subscribers to help set the stage today, A Man for All Seasons asks often, the rhetoric in newspapers, Born in 1924 and raised in Man- nominated for an Academy Award figures — pressed by powerful for what you’ll see at the theatre. us to carefully examine what television programs, web blogs, chester, Robert Bolt served in the for Lawrence of Arabia (1962), people to adopt religious or moral We’ll blend information about we purport to hold dear… and picket lines and pulpits is filled British Air Force during WWII and won an Oscar for Doctor Zhivago positions they feel are untenable. the play’s historical context with consider to what end we’ll fight not with thoughtful examination afterward attended Manchester (1965), and won a second the insight into why we chose the to maintain it. Bolt himself was once jailed as part of ambiguity and complexity, but University. Best known for his play following year for his adaptation script and how the cast, director of a protest in support of nuclear rather with incontrovertible abso- TimeLine is delighted to share A Man for All Seasons (which, in of A Man for All Seasons. He also and design team are approach- disarmament; though he “hated lutes and the marching orders to this play and our first edition of 1960, ran for 637 performances wrote 1984’s The Bounty (starring ing it in the rehearsal room. We breaking the law” — maintaining, defend them. Backstory with you. We hope on Broadway and won four Mel Gibson, Anthony Hopkins and hope Backstory will give you an as does his representation of that both will inspire and provoke ), Bolt also wrote Laurence Olivier) and 1986’s The even greater opportunity to learn Robert Bolt lays out a story in Thomas More, that the presence of you, and we look forward to Flowering Cherry and Vivat! Vivat Mission (starring Robert DeNiro about the world of the play and which the stakes are raised far laws are “infinitely valuable”— he seeing you back at the theatre Regina! (both of which also ap- and Jeremy Irons). reflect further about the ques- beyond stump speeches and felt the proliferation of nuclear to continue our discussion. peared on Broadway), as well as tions it raises. editorials, however. The mastery Though he reportedly described bombs “was something that one The Tiger and the Horse, Gentle of A Man for All Seasons — and Best wishes, himself as “something between was more or less bound to dig in This inaugural issue takes you Jack and State of Revolution. the reason why TimeLine decided an agnostic and an atheist,” one’s heels about.” inside A Man for All Seasons, to put it on stage — is that the Bolt also found success adapt- Bolt’s plays often examined Robert Bolt’s classic tale of moral- Following a long illness, Robert opposing viewpoints in the play ing works for the screen; he was characters — frequently historical ity, virtue, and the fight to stay Bolt died in 1995. are not laid out in pure black and PJ Powers true to one’s faith and beliefs. white tones. Instead, Bolt delves Artistic Director settingthe the stage setting Backstory Credits Post-Show Discussions A Man for All Seasons takes place Tudors’ reign, making it difficult The Renaissance, which began in Join members of the cast and production team for free post-show Dramaturgy & Historical Research in London from 1526 through to gauge what their money was Italy, made its way to England dur- discussions on November 10, 13 and 17. by Gabriel Greene. 1535, during the reign of Tudor worth in today’s terms; however, ing the rule of the Tudor monarchs, Rehearsal Photography by Lara Goetsch. king Henry VIII. while a laborer might have earned leading to an explosion in , mu- Design by Rogue Element. a shilling per day, noblemen could sic, literature, drama and fashion. Before decimalization, the British spend the equivalent of a year’s Poets and musicians were often pound (£) was made up of 20 Sunday Scholar Series salary for many laborers on a sponsored by the Court, though if shillings, and each shilling was single feast or garment of clothing. one’s patron fell out of favor with Following the performance on Fr. Robert Bireley, Loyola To reserve tickets for the Sunday worth 12 pence (240 pence = £1). the King, one’s own fortunes and Sunday, November 20, join us for University historian of Reformation Scholar Series, please call Inflation was rampant during the safety were compromised. our Sunday Scholar Series, a one- (773) 281-8463. You need not Mary Beth Rose, University of hour panel discussion with experts attend the November 20 perfor- Illinois at Chicago professor of talking about the themes and mance of A Man for All Seasons English (Renaissance literature/ issues of A Man for All Seasons. to attend the Scholar Series. drama; director of Institute for The cost to participate is $10 the Humanities) (plus the normal ticket price or flexpass for the show) Chuck Chadd, attorney and legal Panelists will include: historian, author of manuscript No Thomas is Thomas More is born. Henry Tudor defeats The future Henry VIII Pope in England, which recounts murdered by knightsdispute actingover the King’s authority Richard III in battlethe House and ascends of Tudor. to is born. His older brother Arthur is the play’s events in detail 1170 on the orders overof King the Henrychurch II inin England.a 1478 1485 the throne as Henry VII, beginning1491 first in line for the throne. timeline of events the players the players interview withthe director process edward sobel Thomas More was one of the Henry VIII is most often thought was one of TimeLine’s Artistic Director PJ Powers (PP) recently Renaissance’s foremost humanist of today as an overweight Henry VIII’s most trusted and chatted with director Edward Sobel (ES) about scholars, taking care to educate womanizer, however the young important advisors, and he is his daughters in literacy and Latin, monarch that appears in A credited with shepherding the TimeLine’s production of A Man for All Seasons. an uncommon practice at the Man for All Seasons was an ac- king’s 1534 Act of Supremacy time. More seriously considered complished athlete, author and (which anointed Henry as “the (PP) Ed, what first intrigued you back to the question: What do I joining a monastery, but eventu- musician. Henry excelled at tennis only Supreme Head in Earth of about this play? value? Are there things that I feel ally left — it is said — because (a slightly different version of the the Church in England”) through to be so true that they are worth he could not see himself taking sport that we play today), wrote a Parliament. Though he was instru- (ES) I first became familiar with ultimate sacrifice? a vow of celibacy. Nevertheless, book — with the help, it mental in securing Henry’s annul- the play in high school, and have D IRECTOR EDWARD SOBEL More remained a devout Catholic is believed, of Thomas More — ment from his first wife, Catherine, had it in mind ever since. The (PP) You spend a great deal of ideas in the play seem particularly time working on new plays in your afterwards, leading his family in entitled A Defence of the Seven Cromwell’s later insistence that es emphasis not on what is going compelling now, given the current role as Director of New Play Devel- daily prayer and even donning Sacraments (for which Pope Leo Henry marry Anne of Cleves — to happen — most people know political climate in America: we opment at Steppenwolf. Why did a hairshirt (an uncomfortable X awarded him the title “De- a marriage that ended that Galileo recanted, that Hitler are asked to examine the intersec- you find yourself turning to this garment worn as an act of fender of the Faith”) and is often disastrously — led to his own rose to power, and that Thomas tion between our political obliga- seemingly well-known classic? mortification — i.e. as a physical credited with the composition execution… which, reportedly at More was executed — but on why act of penance). Gaining a reputa- of “Greensleeves,” in addition to Henry’s insistence, was carried tions and our conscience, and of (ES) Because I spend a great deal it happened. Each scene, as in tion for honesty and fairness in several other pieces. out at the hands of an inexperi- government and religion. I also of time working on new plays Brecht’s plays, is meant not only various legal and advisory posi- enced headsman who required love the intelligence and wit of at Steppenwolf. It’s nice to have to construct a linear narrative, but tions in Henry VIII’s court, More several attempts to finish the the writing, and Bolt’s command an opportunity to do a play that is an event meant to demonstrate also found time to write Utopia, job. Oliver Cromwell (1599-1658), of language and theatricality. But someone else has already fixed. a particular view on the central what I’m finding most important the book from which the term for the military leader and politician question of why. There are broad in thinking about the play is what Seriously, the merits of this spe- “perfect society” originated. (“Uto- who led the overthrow of the jumps in chronology — some our world demands of a man who cific play aside, living an artful life pia” also translates from Greek British monarchy, is descended scenes take place in consecutive seeks goodness with a whole and means to always challenge oneself to “no place”— emphasizing the from Thomas Cromwell’s sister, time, others months or even years open heart. to do better or do differently, and impossibility of such a society.) Catherine. (Although she married, later than the previous. Bolt has her children kept her name.) to embrace the unfamiliar. I look (PP) History has proven that this created a narrative figure, the for projects that are unlike what story is pretty timeless, yet the Common Man, who functions in I’ve just done. a crisis of conscience matters of church and state seem ironic counterpoint to the action the conflict to be colliding fairly regularly (PP) This play seems to be struc- of the scenes and to More himself. these days. What do you think tured somewhat differently than He serves as a human Brechtian With a sterling reputation and divorce – like the marriage, More’s silence on the matter A Man for All Seasons has to say many of the new plays that prob- scene title. As with Brecht, the close friendship with the king, years earlier – required special resounded thunderously. As the about the issues that government, ably cross your desk. Stylistically, play is highly metatheatrical; Thomas More was an ideal candi- dispensation from the Pope. The king’s unhappiness about More’s religion and our judicial system are how is this play different from a both the text and the production date to replace the late Cardinal Pope’s refusal to allow the divorce lack of support grew, greater and facing today? lot of things you work on? acknowledge we are in a theater Wolsey as Lord Chancellor of Eng- led to England’s split from Rome greater pressures were exerted on watching a play. land. But at the same time, there and Henry establishing himself More and his family. Sir Thomas (ES) The play raises some impor- (ES) There is the strong influence was a “great matter” brewing: as the Supreme Head of the More’s adherence to his principles tant questions on those topics, of Bertolt Brecht. Many of the de- One way in which Bolt differs Church of England. When the in the face of such trials is one of without providing glib answers. vices Brecht used are incorporated from Brecht, and from many of Henry VIII sought to divorce State demanded its citizens take a the compelling stories in history. I’d prefer to let audiences discover by Bolt in the play. He has taken the scripts I see, has to do with his wife Catherine in favor of compulsory oath acknowledging most of those for themselves. But an historic subject, just as Brecht the length of scenes. Bolt has , desperate to sire Henry’s position, most scrambled I will say that with each reading of does in Galileo, The Resistible Rise written a number of scenes in the a male heir to the throne. The to do so. More did not. the play, I always seem to come of Arturo Ui, and others. This plac- play that are quite long by 2005

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Utopia

A Man for All Seasons Henry VIII is crowned Henry’s brother Arthur dies, Thomas More marries Henry VIII and Catherine of Thomas More’s wife Jane Henry VIII fathers a second Henry’s third son also dies Thomas More writes Martin posts his Henry VIII and Thomas More

1502making Henry heir to1505 the throne.Jane Colt;children theyon-stage willtogether: haveElizabeth, in four Margaret Cecily (seen and 1509 John. king of England. 1510 Aragon’smiscarries first pregnancy, and dies aon daughter, January1511 31. dies. Soonwidow after, Middleton. remarries the 1513son, who dies soon after1514 birth.soon after birth. 1516 1517 Ninety-Fivethe Castle ThesesGermany, Church onProtestant the triggering in door Wittenberg, Reformation.of the 1521write againstHenry MartinVIIIfender is awarded ofLuther’s the Faith” the actions. title by “DePope Leo X. SCENES FROM REHEARSAL FOR A MAN FOR ALL SEASONS

upon than ac- as visceral, muscular and elemental tive. David a way as we can. Rather than attacks mate- adhering strictly to period, which rial with honest might result in a fossilization of ferocity and has certain elements of the play, we a natural affin- wanted to create an environment ity for making that was acknowledging period choices that will but still felt contemporary. The show us a More actor/audience relationship is the standards — that makes a different as we mentioned, Bolt was heavily play, yet it’s easy to also find pany a couple years ago on Brett striving for something, as opposed most basic decision one can make, kind of demand on the actors influenced by Brecht. Both men him to be a fairly frustrating and Neveu’s play, American Dead. to simply being martyred. and all else follows from it. I hope than the brief, cinematic scenes argue that one of the worst crimes thick-headed hero to get behind at Why did you want David to play we’ve created a seating configura- (PP) You and the design team are currently in vogue. one can commit in the theatre is times. What are your thoughts on Thomas More? tion that echoes the theaters and working to reconfigure the the- to present ideas in a deadly way. this complex guy? architecture of the period, such (PP) You and I have talked a lot (ES) David is an actor of enor- atre and create a very striking and Brecht’s entire body of work is as the Globe, the great hall at about wanting to give the play a (ES) The stupid little joke I keep mous range. He has a keen dramatic audience/actor relation- based on the premise that one Hampton Court and Parliament, very fresh, contemporary feel and running in my head, is “Hey, the intelligence, emotional availability, ship. Can you tell us a little about wants to make an audience see and that concentrates the energy avoiding any stuffiness or “mas- guy is no saint. Oh wait, he is.” and a charismatic presence. One your ideas and your inspiration? something as if it were new. The in the room in a similar way, but terpiece theatre” qualities. What of the potential traps of the play challenge for us is to find the best More was a truly remarkable man. (ES) Our approach to the whole also seems fresh and new. makes you feel that way about it? is for More to seem more acted way to accomplish that through He avidly embraced the worldly production is to present the play in (ES) When the play was written in the production choices. life, was renowned as a gener- the early 1960s a number of the ous and gracious host, raised a In addition, “period” plays bring a conventions Bolt employed were family and educated his female whole set of pre- and misconcep- innovative. Forty years later they offspring in a way that challenged tions in front of an audience in are now more familiar. But it is the conventions of his time, was terms of human behavior. What important to maintain the dynamic a sophisticated social thinker and interests me in the theatre are energy with which Bolt was trying philosopher, and an adept states- real human beings, who love and to attack the material. In addition, man. And yet he loses, by our hate and eat and have sex, people standards, everything. Why? Yes of passion he was perversely stubborn, ar- even when rogant, and arguably even selfish. that passion But ultimately, I think it’s because is directed his faith in the essential goodness toward ideas. of people came into conflict with I just try to the changing moral code by which present plays the rest of the world was begin- in a way that I ning to abide. A new code which myself would I’d argue, is still with us. be interested in watching. (PP) TimeLine Company Member David Parkes is your leading man (PP) Sir in this show, playing Sir Thomas Thomas More More. I know you worked with is the tragic David at American Theatre Com- hero of the

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Henry VIII petitions the Pope is appointed Bullied by Henry VIII, the clergy Henry VIII grants himself Parliament passes the Act For refusing to acknowl Henry VIII accuses Anne Henry fathers a male heir Thomas Cromwell is

1527to annulthe the grounds marriageforbidden that to by theCatherine biblical marriage law. on1529 was Lord Chancellor of England.1532accepts the the Church kingresigns as in Supreme England.as Lord HeadChancellor. Thomas of 1533More an annulment.announcesBoleyn The his same isand marriage born. theiryear, daughter, heto Anne Elizabeth, 1534of Supremacy,childrenlegitimate declaring by Anne heirs.BoleynHenry’s1535 to beedge Henryof the VIII Church,is executed.as Supreme Thomas Head More1536 Boleyn, Henry who couldVIIIthree with notattempts,treason. a provide survivingand Sheof is adultery sonisexecuted. found in and guilty 1537 with Jane Seymour, 1540his thirdexecuted wife. for Treason. Non-Profit Org. US Postage PAID Chicago, IL Permit No. 3483 615 W. Wellington Ave. Wellington W. 615 60657 Illinois Chicago, Forwarding Service Requested b a c k s t o r y Your behind-the-scenes look at TimeLine productions

a man for all seasons nov ember 5 – december 18 Previews 11/1-11/4 Thursdays and Fridays at 8pm | Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm | Sundays at 2pm

Reserve your tickets now at (773) 281-8463 (Note: Saturday, November 5 only has an 8pm performance. There is no performance on Thanksgiving, November 24)

November 2005 December 2005 regular performance Su M T W Th F Sa Su M T W Th F Sa preview performance 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 opening performance (sold out) 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 brief post-show discussion with cast & 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 production crew 27 28 29 30 sunday scholar series: a one hour post-show panel discussion with experts on the themes and issues of the play