The Lion in Winter by James Goldman
Directed by David Booth
The Lion in Winter is a 1966 play by James Goldman, depicting the personal and political conflicts of Henry II of England, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, their children.
Set during Christmas 1183 at Henry II of England’s castle in Chinon, Anjou, Angevin Empire, the play opens with the arrival of Henry’s wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom he has had imprisoned since 1173. The story concerns the gamesmanship between Henry, Eleanor, their three surviving sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John, their guest, Philip II of France (the son of Eleanor’s ex-husband, Louis VII of France). Also involved is Philip’s half-sister Alais, who has been at court since she was betrothed to Richard at age eight, but has since become Henry’s mistress.
Set during Christmas 1183 at Henry II of England’s castle in Chinon, Anjou, Angevin Empire, the play opens with the arrival of Henry’s wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom he has had imprisoned since 1173. The story concerns the gamesmanship between Henry, Eleanor, their three surviving sons Richard, Geoffrey, and John, their guest, Philip II of France (the son of Eleanor’s ex-husband, Louis VII of France). Also involved is Philip’s half-sister Alais, who has been at court since she was betrothed to Richard at age eight, but has since become Henry’s mistress.
