Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum presents Queen Margaret’s Version of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses. Written by William Shakespeare. Compiled, edited, and directed by Ellen Geer.

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum‘s artistic director Ellen Geer compiled Shakespeare’s best-known history plays—Henry VI Parts I, II and III, and Richard III—into a new edit of War of the Roses. 

This play pays special attention to the women of the British court, Margaret of Anjou, (Melora Marshall), Dame Eleanor/Queen Elizabeth (both portrayed by Willow Geer), the Duchess of York (Cynthia Kania), and Lady Anne (Claire Simba). These women are a reflection of the tragedies and insatiable ambition for power that characterized the brutal period known as the War of the Roses, spanning from 1455 to 1487.

This historical drama is a fascinating tale of intrigue, murder, and epic battles that fragmented the relationships between the monarchy and the nobility of England. The rivalry between the Lancaster and Plantagenet dynasties created new problems and opportunities. For one, the use of violence as a political tool became a common tactic to eliminate rivals, specially among the nobles and wealthy barons. It also created a phenomenon known as bastard feudalism, a way for those wealthy landowners to access the throne without having a direct royal bloodline, like in the case of Richard III (Jon Sprik).

The story is a parade of dubious characters. One of them is Lord Suffolk (Jon Sprik), a powerful figure who exercised the power behind the throne by taking advantage of a weak royal like Henry VI (Emoria Weidner). It was Suffolk who convinced Henry VI to marry Margaret of Anjou (Melora Marshall). Lord Suffolk and Queen Margaret were lovers and manipulated Henry VI at will. Their extramarital affair was so intense that Margaret carried around his severed head when Suffolk was captured and beheaded by an angry mob. In this play, Geer features Queen Margaret conspicuously, just like Shakespeare does in his History plays. Marshall, as usual, is impressive. She convincingly portrays a manipulative, intelligent, and courageous queen consort that controls the mentally unstable Henry VI, even leading an army and personally executing the powerful Duke of York (Max Lawrence), who was also vying for the throne of England.

As the battles and conspiracies continue with riveting performances by experienced and new actors, one thespian deserves special attention: Jon Sprik. His depiction of Richard III is a superb display of passion and technique. Not only his physical appearance and movements are exceptional—Richard III had scoliosis according to a study of his bones—but his speech is also sublime. His performance remind us of Dustin Hoffman in Midnight Cowboy, the kind of character actor that crosses the fine line between fiction and reality with ease to leave a powerful and everlasting impression on the stage.  

This special production is an example of Ellen Geer’s fabulous skills as a director. The meticulous attention to detail and the performances of her actors show her love and dedication for theatre. 

Even though the story is based on past developments, the same virtues and shortcomings affect the relationships between government officials, political adversaries, and their constituents today. The lighting casts a red hue on the scene where a mob chases down Richard III at the end of the play; it’s the red of the pool of blood upon which the kingdom of England was built. It’s the red of danger when despotic rulers abuse their power and commit crimes against humanity. Almost like a prophecy, Shakespeare’s writings continue to reflect the state of the world in which we live.                    

Queen Margaret’s Version of Shakespeare’s War of the Roses

Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)

June 24–October 1

Tickets and full schedule: theatricum.com

Written by William Shakespeare. Compiled, edited, and directed by Ellen Geer. Presented by Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Cast: Melora Marshall, Willow Geer, Cynthia Kania, Claire Simba, Roman Guastaferro, Emoria Weidner, Franc Ross, Max Lawrence, Jon Sprik, Tim Halligan, Gerald C. Rivers, Christopher Wallinger, Charlie Burg; Sara Carpenter; Ben Church; Rhett Curry; Cole Dechant, Emelie Dechant, Julius Geer-Polin, Dylan Greer, Colin Guthrie, Emerson Haller, Christopher Wei Fu Hernandez, Michael Kendrick, Andrew Klein, Tariq Mieres, Nations, Daniel Ramirez, Quinlynn Scheppner, Anthony Soliz, Sky Wahl, Aralyn Wilson, and Elliott Gray Wilson. Creative team: Lighting designer Zach Moore, sound designer Charles Glaudini, costume designer Shon LeBlanc, and prop master Ian Geatz. Original music is composed by Marshall McDaniel. The production stage manager is Kim Cameron.