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Richard II, not often performed today, was written around 1595. It is the first play in Shakespeare's second "history tetralogy," a series of four plays that chronicles the rise of the house of Lancaster to the British throne. Its sequel plays are "Henry IV Part 1," "Henry IV Part 2" and "Henry V."
Richard II, set around the year 1398, traces the fall from power of the last king of the house of Plantagenet, Richard II, and his replacement by the first Lancaster king Henry IV. Richard II, who ascended to the throne as a young man, is a regal and stately figure, but he is wasteful in his spending habits, unwise in his choice of counselors, and detached from his country and its common people.
"Come join us for great theatre live -- the way that it was meant to be enjoyed," organizers note. The Hudson Shakespeare Company brings live theatre into New Jersey communities. For more info on the troupe, visit its website or Facebook page.
No tickets are necessary. Seats are free and on a first-come basis. Latecomers will be seated during appropriate breaks. The play's approximate runtime is 89 minutes, and it's recommended for ages 12 and up.
The performance will begin at 2 p.m. in the library's Winter Room. The Mahwah Public Library is located at 100 Ridge Rd., in Mahwah. To keep up with library events, check out its website, or follow it on Facebook or Twitter.
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