Edward II
Edward II by Christopher Marlowe (1564-1593)
Contents
The original text
The play's full title is The troublesome reign and lamentable death of Edward the second, King of England: with the tragical fall of proud Mortimer. First published in 1594.
Translations and adaptations
Marlowe's play adapted by Belgian playwright Tom Lanoye (written in Dutch) in 2017 and as De felomstreden kroon van Edward II and Gaveston. This play subsequently translated into Afrikaans by Marthinus Basson as Die Fel Omstrede Kroon van Edward II en Gaveston (“The Fiercely Contested Crown of Edward II and Gaveston”).
Performance history in South Africa
1981: Presented by John Badenhorst and John Caviggia at the People's Space Theatre in September/October 1981. Directed by John Badenhorst and designed by John Caviggia, the play starred John Caviggia as Edward II, Merle Lifson, Alan Murchison, John Dennison, Rupert Wainwright*, Jochen Noetzelmann*, Johann van der Merwe and José Neto. This production was a version by John Caviggia after the play by Christopher Marlowe with additional material by William Shakespeare, Edward Campion, Richard Barnfield, Denys Sanguin de Saint-Pavin, John Webster, Michelangelo Buonarotti, Walter Raleigh, William d'Avenant, James Shirley, Edmund Spenser, John Beaumont and John Fletcher.
(* appeared by arrangement with Fragile Theatre Frankfurt/London).
1993: Directed by David Alcock for Rhodes University Drama Department.
2024: Die Fel Omstrede Kroon van Edward II en Gaveston presented at Baxter Theatre Flipside, directed and designed by Marthinus Basson, with Edwin van der Walt (Edward II), Beer Adriaanse (Gaveston), Rolanda Marais (Queen Isabella), André Roothman, Wilhelm van der Walt (younger Mortimer) and Caleb Payne (the crown prince). Music by David Wolfswinkel.
Sources
Theatre programme, 1981.
‘Die Fel Omstrede Kroon van Edward II en Gaveston’ — underneath it all we’re all flesh and blood. Daily Maverick. 22 January 2024.
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