We are thrilled to announce our upcoming production, The Margriad, or the Tragedy of Queen Margaret, an electrifying new adaptation of Shakespeare’s history plays.
Conceived by Séamus Miller (adapter/director of last season's Coriolanus), this bold production runs from March 6 to 29 at Gunston Arts Center – Theatre Two in Arlington, VA.
This compelling adaptation brings to life one of Shakespeare’s most formidable characters, Queen Margaret of Anjou. By weaving together Henry VI (Parts 1–3) and Richard III, The Margriad follows Queen Margaret—a warrior, a survivor, and the ultimate political force—through her rise to power and downfall.
With an ensemble of seven actors—including Artistic Director Sara Barker and Artistic Associates Kathleen Akerley and Alyssa Sanders, each portraying Margaret in one of the show's three acts—The Margriad illuminates Margaret at the forefront of the Wars of the Roses.
In the words of adaptor/director Séamus Miller,
“We have combined four of Shakespeare's histories into a single production, following Queen Margaret—the woman who survives them all. I refer to the adaptation as an anti-war ghost story. Dark, fast-paced, irreverent, and aggressive, 'The Margriad' takes us to the intersection of war and greed—and the sharpest edge of our comfort zone.”
Artistic Director Sara Barker adds, “In a time when our nation faces political upheaval and the world grapples with ongoing conflicts, the characters in The Margriad, including the great queen herself, offer insights into the consequences of irresponsible leadership and the resilience we need to navigate greed-fueled chaos.”
The Margriad runs 2 hrs. including two 10-minute intermission.
March 6-29, Thurs-Sat 7:30pm, Sat-Sun 2pm
As part of Avant Bard's commitment to accessibility, all Previews (March 6-8) and all Saturday 2pm matinees are Pay What You Can (PWYC), meaning patrons name their ticket price, with no set price minimum and no cap on the number of tickets they may purchase as PWYC. Free admission to all shows is open to all Arlington middle and high school students along with $20 tickets for their accompanying parent(s)/guardian(s).
Avant Bard will be providing one mask-mandatory performance: Saturday, March 22, at 2pm and 7:30pm.
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