Free Shakespeare on the Radio: Richard II

The Duke of Gloucester has been murdered. Now the young King Richard must settle a dispute between two members of his court, Thomas Mowbray and Henry Bolingbroke, over who is responsible for the killing. Richard calls for a trial by combat, and the men prepare to face one another in a fight to the death. But just as it is beginning, Richard abruptly ends the fight, banishing both men instead.

DIVE DEEPER INTO RICHARD II:

Read the radio play script for RICHARD IIRead an episode-by-episode synopsis of RICHARD IICast and Characters - Visual Guide

For more information about Free Shakespeare on the Radio and Richard II, visit wnyc.org/shakespeare

FROM OPEN AIR TO ON THE AIR! Join WNYC and The Public Theater as we bring Free Shakespeare in the Park to the airwaves with William Shakespeare’s RICHARD II. Brought to you in a serialized radio broadcast over four nights, listen as the last of the divinely anointed monarchs descends and loses it all. When King Richard banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke and deprives him of his inheritance, he unwittingly creates an enemy who will ultimately force him from the throne. One of the Bard’s only dramas entirely in verse, this epic and intimate play presents the rise of the house of Lancaster through a riveting tale of lost sovereignty, political intrigue, and psychological complexity. Directed by Saheem Ali, experience this beautiful and cutting play in an exciting serialized radio format from wherever you are.

“A fractured society. A man wrongfully murdered. The palpable threat of violence and revenge against a broken system. Revolution and regime change. This was Shakespeare’s backdrop for Richard II. I’m exceptionally proud of this production, recorded for public radio with a predominantly BIPOC ensemble, led by the extraordinary André Holland,” said director Saheem Ali. “It’s my hope that listening to Shakespeare’s words, broadcast in the midst of a pandemic and an uprising, will have powerful resonance in our world.”

In support of the fight against racism and inequality and in recognition of the unspeakable violence against Black communities, The Public Theater and the artists of RICHARD II dedicate this production to the Black Lives Matter Movement.

King Richard’s wealthy uncle, John of Gaunt, is on his deathbed, heartbroken over the banishment of his son, Bolingbroke. Gaunt hopes to warn Richard about the dire state of the kingdom, but the king does not heed his warning. When Gaunt dies, Richard claims Gaunt’s inheritance — intended for the banished Bolingbroke — and uses it to fund a war with Ireland. But Richard finds that success at home does grant success at home: Many of his most loyal nobles have defected or been executed, his forces have abandoned their posts, and Bolingbroke has returned from banishment.

DIVE DEEPER INTO RICHARD II:

Read the radio play script for RICHARD IIRead an episode-by-episode synopsis of RICHARD IICast and Characters - Visual Guide

For more information about Free Shakespeare on the Radio and Richard II, visit wnyc.org/shakespeare

Richard is imprisoned and Bolingbroke is now King Henry. But the new king immediately faces new challenges: The Duke of York discovers that men still loyal to Richard intend to stage a coup. And a member of Henry’s court, a knight named Exton, believes Henry has tasked him with killing Richard.

DIVE DEEPER INTO RICHARD II:

Read the radio play script for RICHARD IIRead an episode-by-episode synopsis of RICHARD IICast and Characters - Visual Guide

For more information about Free Shakespeare on the Radio and Richard II, visit wnyc.org/shakespeare

Bolingbroke’s power increases, and his men urge him to claim more than just his stolen inheritance. Bolingbroke confronts Richard at Flint Castle, and the king agrees to return to London. Back in court, Bolingbroke moves to depose the king. Will Richard give up the crown on his own? Or will Bolingbroke have to take seize it?

DIVE DEEPER INTO RICHARD II:

Read the radio play script for RICHARD IIRead an episode-by-episode synopsis of RICHARD IICast and Characters - Visual Guide

For more information about Free Shakespeare on the Radio and Richard II, visit wnyc.org/shakespeare