Toneelgroep Amsterdam

In Kings of War, Shakespeare’s Henry V, Henry VI and Richard III become modern-day political leaders, their fates unfolding in this single, explosive play.

Three different rulers in times of crisis. Each faced with the life-or-death choice of whether to go to war. Their decision-making and the machinations of their advisors are laid bare, exposing the conflict between national concerns and self-interest in an era of globalisation.

For Ivo van Hove – who follows his most recent hits, Antigone and A View from the Bridge, by directing a work of the same scale as the groundbreaking Roman Tragedies, seen here in 2009 – Shakespeare is unequalled in his psychological portrayal of power. Integrating live music and video feeds, this radical adaptation pulls us behind-the-scenes into labyrinthine war rooms, striking a chord with the events we see on the news everyday.

Approx 4 hours / plus one interval.
Age guidance 12 and over.
Performed in Dutch with English surtitles