This 1596 Shakespeare history play is seminal as the first English drama to give equal prominence to the ruling class and the disreputable denizens of a dangerous neighborhood. The action moves back and forth between palace and downmarket public house until the two groups somewhat reconcile (this is only Part 1, after all) on a literal battlefield. Coming in Shakespeare’s progression between “Richard II&r…
SOURCE: Backstage at 07:00PM on March 3, 2013