Posted on by iandoescher

Henry VI Part 2: Video Introduction

Thanks again to Hailey Bachrach for providing the video introduction for Henry VI Part 2.

Hailey Bachrach is a PhD candidate at King’s College London and Shakespeare’s Globe, where she has also worked as a research assistant to the Globe Ensemble. She is also a dramaturg and drama critic, and her writing has appeared in Shakespeare Bulletin, Shakespeare Newsletter, Shakespeare’s Globe Blog, American Theatre Magazine, Oregon ArtsWatch, among others. 

Many thanks to my friend Joey Bianco of Whim Wham for the animated video elements.

6 Replies to “Henry VI Part 2: Video Introduction”

  1. so agree with the non-stereotype history play with part 2 – and the women are strong and hard which is fun to explore

  2. So far the three female characters we’ve met in Henry VI p.1 and 2 are driven by ambition and they easily manipulate the men they’re surrounded by. Joan of Arc maneuvers the French prince with apparently no effort,Margaret of Anjou is worshipped by Henry VI and loved by the Earl of Suffolk and last but not least Gloucester’s wife summons spirits in his house in order to gain power and he doesn’t even notice. But in the end all three of them are condemned and suffer for they dare to challenge the ” establishment”.

  3. That was kinda fun! All the scheming and false fronts and twists! The two women were at the core of each faction, and it was fun to watch the men circling around either like moths on a porch with two light fixtures, moths who couldn’t make up their minds. At least for Acts I-III. By then, the sides are drawn and it becomes a more typical History play (read: lots of swordplay). Although Jack Cade’s preening, inept overreach was entertaining. And a little disturbing, given our current political landscape.

  4. Thank you, Hailey! Am about to dive in, and you just provided an extra dollop of enthusiasm and insight to make me not wait ’til tomorrow morning but whet my whistle tonight, even thought it’s 11 p.m. on the east coast!

  5. Thank you! I was somewhat dreading the history plays for the reasons you stated, so have been pleasantly surprised to see the strong female voices in Henry VI Parts 1 and 2 so far!

  6. Thanks for this. I see that the female characters can be equally as conniving as the males. And as vicious. These are women who refuse to accept their “place.” But I don’t feel much empathy for them and just feel I am watching in horror at their descent.

Comments are closed.