They will play in rep, beginning performances Sept. 16 prior to an official opening Oct. 3, for a run through Oct. 31 at the Rose Theatre, Kingston, in south-west London.
This trilogy has not been seen in this form since it was first produced at the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1963 by the founders of the company, John Barton and Peter Hall. The plays revolve around one of the most tumultuous and intriguing periods of British history - the 15th century conflict between the House of York and the House of Lancaster for the throne of England.
According to press materials, through these plays Shakespeare examines the very essence of human conflict. A tale of feuding families, murderous kings and adulterous queens, of scheming and betrayal, revolts and battles, The Wars of the Roses chronicles the final struggle for power in medieval England.
In a press statement, Nunn commented, "It has long been an ambition of mine to stage The Wars of the Roses. It’s an extraordinary adaptation, by two extraordinary men – Peter Hall and John Barton – to both of whom I am profoundly indebted for their influence on my life and career. I hope this event will be fitting celebration of them and their unique legacy.
"The brilliance of their work makes it as relevant now as it was when they first staged it in 1963. Despite our constant resolve that there shall be no more war, the world remains in the grip of brutal armed conflict, over territory, religion and power. Shakespeare asks why must our species resort to war and bloodshed. This epic chronicle is, without doubt, Shakespeare's 'Game of Thrones.' "It is absolutely fitting that we are performing this saga at the Rose Theatre Kingston, which is an almost exact replica of the original Rose Theatre on Bankside. That is where these plays were first staged in Shakespeare’s London, and so, in a potent way, we are bringing them home."
An acting company of over 20 professional actors will be supplemented by a local community chorus to complete the ensemble. The production also reunites Nunn with his long-term design collaborator John Napier who, with Mark Friend, will transform the Rose's auditorium.
To book tickets, contact the box office on 020 8174 0090 or visit www.rosetheatrekingston.org.
