Loading: Queens

 By: Adella Hand (Editor-in-Chief)

This March 19-22 George Washington High School’s Drama Department is putting on a Spring Play production of “Queens” by Kristen Doherty in the school auditorium.

Tickets will be bought at the shows, costing $10 for general admission, $8 for students and faculty, and $5 for seniors and K-5th. The first show will take place during 6th period on the 19, the second on the 20 at 4:45 p.m., and the final two at 7 p.m. on the 21 and 22.

Historical Background

“Queens” is a play that tells the story of King Henry VIII of England, and the six wives he had, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Kathryn Howard, and Kathrine Parr. “The monarch’s desperate quest for political unification and a healthy male heir drove him to annul two marriages and have two wives beheaded.” reported History.com. The play addresses the general story while also diving into some of the intricacies of the King’s relationships with his wives. “He was highkey a jerk to all of his wives. He didn’t love many of them if he loved any. And he often cheated on them, but if they cheated on him they lost their heads.” pointed out Abi Dutch, the student actor playing Anne of Cleves.

“Queens” uses historical source documents from the time period to help craft the script of the play. Rydell stated, “The words that Catherine of Aragon speaks [in the play] at King Henry are Catherine of Aragon's literal words when she was getting divorced.” The script also includes the final written and spoken words of Anne Boleyn and Kathryn Howard prior to their executions.

Theme of the Play

The play director Lucy Rydell selected the play for its message and deeper meaning. Rydell explained, “It felt really timely to have a play that is all about lifting up women and showing off how a narcissist can wreak havoc everywhere they go.” This play, although historical, has reflections of our current world. “I think that narcissism has infected our society on a parasitic level.” added Rydell. “I hope this show serves as an opportunity to put narcissism on display.” 

The story of the play has different meanings for different people, but most of them agree that it has to do with facing the effects of your decisions. Dutch stated, “I think the theme is your actions always have consequences.” In the play Henry is forced to watch the impact of his actions played back in front of him. He is in his own personal hell reliving the mistakes of his life. “Will Henry repent becomes a guiding question that illuminates in every moment where we stand.” emphasized Rydell.

“Queens” is a play that retells saddening and disturbing events which can leave the audience feeling very emotional knowing that there isn’t anything they can do to change the past. Rydell acknowledged this, and pointed out, “What we can very much do is make a big big difference on any one else who is still kicking.” Rydell hopes that this play will serve as a mirror to our world for those who are hurting and in need, “If people can walk into this show, see it, have the opportunity to learn something because it’s so clearly displayed, and then walk out being better armed and prepared to handle themselves in the very crazy world we really live in that would be the dream.”