Henry VI Part One (2015)

This first of Shakespeares four plays about the Wars of the Roses dramatizes the rivalry between power-hungry noble houses divided by grievances inherited from the past. After the death of Henry V, the French revolt and threaten to reclaim their country from English rule. Guided by his Lord Protector, the young King Henry VI travels to Paris to reaffirm his rule over France. While the English battle Joan of Arc abroad, discontent grows at home between the ancient Houses of York and Lancaster. This edition includes a general introduction to Shakespeares life and Elizabethan theatre, a separate introduction to the play, a chronology, suggestions for further reading, an essay by Rebecca Brown on performance options for stage and screen, and a commentary. Shakespeares first tetralogy, about the Wars of the Roses, continues with Henry VI, Parts II and III, and Richard III.