The Lion in Winter

2015 – 2016 SEASON THE LION IN WINTER CONTENTS by James Goldman 2 The 411 Directed by Edward Stern 3 A/S/L & RMAI 4 FYI 7 RBTL 8 F2F 9 HTH 10 B4U 12 IRL STUDENT MATINEE SPONSORS WELCOME! At The Rep, we know The desire to learn, insatiable when awakened, can that life moves sometimes lie dormant until touched by the right teacher or fast—okay, really the right experience. We at The Rep are grateful to have the fast. But we also opportunity to play a role supporting you as you awaken the know that some desire for learning in your students. things are worth Today’s political intrigues and machinations are nothing new. slowing down for. We believe that live theatre is Throughout history those who want power have schemed one of those pit stops worth making and are excited that you to get it while those with power have plotted to keep it. are going to stop by for a show. To help you get the most bang England in 1183 was no different, with the added factor for your buck, we have put together WU? @ THE REP—an that most of the folks contriving were in the same family. IM guide that will give you everything you need to know to Intrigue, conspiracy, estrangement, collusion and bickering— get at the top of your theatergoing game—fast. You’ll find it is all part of Henry II’s family reunion as he makes plans to character descriptions (A/S/L), a plot summary (FYI), announce who is next to wear the crown. biographical information (F2F), historical context (B4U), and other bits and pieces (HTH). Most importantly, we’ll It would be a good idea to take a minute to give your have some ideas about what this all means IRL, anyway. students these quick theatre etiquette reminders: • This show has one intermission; there will be time for bathroom breaks before the show and halfway through. • The actors can hear the audience and appreciate the laughter, gasps and quiet attention to action. However, talking, moving around and eating is very distracting to others and can dampen the energy on stage. • Pictures, phone calls and texting are not allowed at any The Teacher’s time during the performance. Lounge Live theatre won’t allow your students to take a passive role—they must work with us to create the experience which In an effort to make our takes the learning deeper. Our unique ability to fuse words educational materials accessible and images onstage allows your students to explore new to students and easy for educators to ideas as well as excites their imaginations. We will do our incorporate into the classroom, our study part so your students will be stirred to understandings and guide is written in a student-oriented format. We hope self-awareness while delving into new and familiar worlds. that you will circulate this guide among your students in You are doing your part by using The Rep to extend your the weeks preceding your visit to The Rep, encouraging intellectual and aesthetic curriculum. Thank you! them to browse it before and after class and as time allows, using it as a launch point for both pre- and post-performance discussions.You may also want to visit our website, www.repstl.org, for additional information Marsha Coplon including activity suggestions and behind-the-scenes Director of Education information. Any materials, either from this guide or from our website may be reproduced for use in the classroom. As always, we appreciate your making live REP EDUcatION DEpaRTMENT theatre a part of your classroom experience and welcome your Director of Education Marsha Coplon feedback and questions. Associate Director of Education Sarah Brandt Education Programs Manager Suki Peters Study Guide Writer Laura Schlereth KING HENRY II: 50 years old; the aging but RICHARD THE LIONHEART: 26 years old; still vital and mentally sharp King of England Henry and Eleanor’s eldest surviving son who who has yet to name an heir to his throne. has proven himself the strongest leader with his successful career on the battlefield and is ELEANOR OF AQUITAINE: 61 years old; Eleanor’s favored son to be named heir. Henry’s wife who has been a queen for nearly 50 years and is a force to be reckoned with ALAIS CAPET: 23 yeas old; the beautiful in the political game, a rarity for a woman of mistress of Henry who is deeply in love with her time. him and has a ruthless streak of her own despite being viewed as a pawn by most of JOHN: 16 years old; the youngest son of the other characters. Henry and Eleanor who is prone to sulkiness and bratty outbursts, but is still Henry’s PHILIP II: 17 years old; the King of France favorite and feels a sense of entitlement to who has been on the throne for three years the throne. and is not nearly as accomplished as Henry in the political game due to his lack of GEOFFREY: 25 years old; the middle experience, but shows himself to be a willing surviving son of Henry and Eleanor who feels and quick learner. passed over by both his parents, and as a result, has a cold and amoral demeanor. READ MORE ABOUT IT Want more information? Explore the following resources, chosen just for you by our friends at the St. Louis County Libraries. BOOKS Kings & Queens of FILMS Great Britain The Demon's Brood: A History The Lion in Winter by David Soud of the Plantagenet Dynasty The Royals by Desmond Seward Not in Front of the Corgis: Secrets of Life Behind the Exploring English Castles Royal Curtains by Edd Morris E-MEDIA by Brian Hoey Eleanor of Aquitaine: Clash of Crowns: William the The Rough Guide to The Mother Queen of the Conqueror, Richard Lionheart the Royals Middle Ages and Eleanor of Aquitaine by Alice Hunt by Desmond Seward by Mary McAuliffe 3 SPOILER ALERT! IT’S CHRISTMAS in 1183 at the the French region of Vexin. If Henry fails English royal palace in Chinon, to see Alais married to his heir, he must France, and King Henry is in the return Vexin to French rule. castle chamber of his beautiful HENRY EXPLAINS that he cannot mistress Alais Capet, who is currently marry Alais to his heir deeply in love with the King. because he has not yet chosen one. They discuss how Henry has He also points out that if he dies yet to name an heir to his without an heir, a civil war is throne. His eldest son, also likely to break out between the named Henry, died the sons for a fight for the throne. previous summer, and now Philip tells Henry that Alais King Henry plans to name must be married immediately, his youngest son, John, thus forcing Henry to choose an who is still a teenager, heir sooner, otherwise Vexin will as heir. Henry's wife, be returned to France per the however, has other plans. treaty’s terms. THE QUEEN, Eleanor AFTER PHILIP DEPARTS, Eleanor of Aquitaine, has been mentions how much she loves imprisoned by her husband Alais (though Alais seems hesitant in a tower for the past 10 to believe it). Eleanor raised the years and is being temporarily young woman from the time she was released for the holiday. seven years old, when she first arrived She wishes to see their oldest at Henry's court after the treaty was surviving son Richard, who has signed. However, the women remain rivals already proven himself a leader on for Henry’s affections. Eleanor asks Henry the battlefield, inherit the throne. Henry why he cannot simply return Vexin, but he says his primary goal in naming an heir is responds that it is a strategically important ensure his empire lives on after his death. territory and forfeiting it would cost England RICHARD AND JOHN, along with their considerable power. brother Geoffrey, have gathered the castle’s LATER, HENRY ANNOUNCES to everyone reception hall for the Christmas Eve that he has named Richard as his heir, and festivities. They have a conversation about thus, Alais is to be wed to him. However, which of them will become king. Geoffrey Eleanor, who knows how deceitful Henry complains about being looked over. Eleanor, can be, believes he is only bluffing. Richard Henry and Alais soon join them. agrees because he does not believe Henry AFTER THE GROUP exchanges pleasantries, would suddenly give him everything without King Philip II of France enters to discuss the an ulterior motive. After assuring everyone treaty his deceased father, King Louis VII, that he is serious because it will give what made with Henry 16 years ago. As part of he wants (to prevent civil war and keep the treaty, Alais, who is Philip’s sister, was his kingdom intact), Henry leaves. John promised to whichever son Henry names as is furious and barges out. Eleanor tries to heir to his throne, therby making her the convince Geoffrey and Richard to scheme future Queen. In exchange, Henry was given with her against Henry, but they refuse as Costume rendering by costume designer Mathew J. LeFebvre The cast of Fly. Photo by Sandy Underwood. neither one trusts their calculating, though had planned to wage war against Henry. She intelligent and powerful, mother. Geoffrey tells Richard, currently imprisoned in the convinces John to side with him and Philip castle, to ask for Philip’s soldiers to help him in waging war against Henry. Henry goes escape from the castle before she informs to Alais, telling her in confidence he has Henry of John’s betrayal.

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