The Lion in Winter

The Lion in Winter [1] is a 1966 play by American playwright James Goldman (1927-1998) [2], depicting the personal and political conflicts of Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their children and their guests during Christmas, 1183. Extract from the PACT 1968 souvenir programme written by Goldman: 'The Lion in Winter takes place some six months after young Henry's death. The problem, at the time, was the selection of a new heir, and it is out of the struggle for succession that the narrative arises. In all, they were terrifying family. There were constant plots and wars between the father and his sons, fights always followed by reunion and forgiveness. They offer, for my play, a spectacle that is bitter, vengeful, passionate and loving all at once.'

Translations and adaptations

Translated into Afrikaans as Die Leeu in die Winter by Francois Swart.

Performance history in South Africa

1968: Presented by CAPAB in association with PACT and NAPAC by arrangement with Taubie Kushlick at the Hofmeyr Theatre in May 1968. Director: Taubie Kushlick. Cast: Michael Atkinson (Henry II), Valerie Miller (Eleanor), Gillian Garlick (Alais Capet), Wilson Dunster (John), Ken Leach (Geoffrey), David Goatham (Richard Lionheart), Roger Dwyer (Philip Capet). Set designed by Raimond Schoop and Inge Gerd, costumes designed by Jennifer Craig. Stage director Scott Robertson. This production visited the H.B. Thom Theatre 27-28 May, the Port Elizabeth Opera House 18-22 June 1968, the Rhodes University Theatre in Grahamstown 24 and 25 June 1968 and the East London Guild Theatre 27-29 June 1968.

1968: According to the PACT souvenir programme of February to May 1968: Ran at the Alexander Theatre in 1968. Directed by Taubie Kushlick. Decor and costumes designed by Raimond Schoop. Music composed by Stephen O'Reilly. Lighting design: Taubie Kushlick, assisted by Richard Lockwood. Music recorded by members of the PACT Orchestra, conducted by Prof. Leo Quayle Cast: Henry II, King of England - Joe Stewardson Alais Capet, A French Princess - Gillian Lomberg John, Henry's youngest son - John Rogers Geoffrey, The middle son - Dale Cutts Richard Lionheart, The eldest son - Ivor van Rensburg Eleanor of Aquitane, Henry's wife - Marika Mann Philip Capet, King of France - Christopher Galloway

1982: The Afrikaans translation was staged by PACT Afrikaans Drama in July at the Breytenbach Theatre, directed by Francois Swart. The cast included Louis van Niekerk, Paul Lückhoff, Nico Liebenberg, Johan Engelbrecht, Amor Tredoux, Schalk Schoombie and Wilna Snyman. Designs by Chris van den Berg.

1988: Staged by PACT, directed by Dieter Reible, with Michael McGovern (Henry II), Susan Danford (Alais), Stephen Jennings (John), Peter Terry (Geoffrey), James Borthwick (Richard), Wilna Snyman (Eleanor), Glenn Swart (Philip). Designs by Chris van den Berg and lighting by Jane Gosnell.

Sources

Grütter, Wilhelm, CAPAB 25 Years, 1987. Unpublished research. p 61 and Teater SA, 1(1), 1968.

PACT theatre pamphlet.

PACT souvenir programme of February to May 1968.

The Lion in Winter theatre programme, Cape Town, 1968.

PACT theatre programme, 1988.

Petru & Carel Trichardt theatre programme collection.

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