It seems to parallel our world, where war, violence, and imbalanced distribution of wealth creates a great sense of turmoil. “These plays are about power the struggle for it, and the abuse of it, and how confused leadership impacts the state of a nation.
Part three, or Wars of the Roses, explores the battles for the crown between York and Henry VI, in a visceral retelling. Part two, or Rebellion focuses on the uprising of the people of England, at a point when King Henry VI is trying to find his voice amongst his government. These new RSC productions rename the parts, framing a clear focus to the action of the plays. Henry VI: Parts two and three, as they are often known, make up part of a tetralogy of four plays that examine the history of the Wars of the Roses.