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DELAWARE, Ohio – Romance, rebellion, back-stabbing intrigue, scandal, and betrayal. All are part of Ohio Wesleyan University’s upcoming play “Royal Gambit,” – a riveting, royal drama that details the legacy of King Henry VIII and his numerous wives.
OWU’s Department of Theatre & Dance will present four performances of the Hermann Gressieker play, translated and adapted by George White. Show times are 8 p.m. Feb. 15, Feb. 16, and Feb. 17, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m. Feb. 18.
“Henry’s reign is one of the most notorious in England’s history of the monarchy,” said theatre professor Elane Denny-Todd, who is directing the play. “Few royal families match the drama and intrigue created by the Tudor dynasty.”
Henry VIII served as king from 1509 until his death in 1547. In addition to six marriages, he is remembered for his effort to have his first marriage annulled and for the English Reformation (separating the Church of England from papal authority) when the annulment was denied.
“Royal Gambit” has been described by The New York Times as “original, stimulating and mature. ... A compact, well-written play that asks some cogent questions and provides disturbing answers.”
More than 40 Ohio Wesleyan students are participating in the production of “Royal Gambit.” The cast stars senior Daniel Haygood as Henry and features Emma Antal, Nyjah Cephas, Kacie Iuvara, Rose Jonesco, Anna McReynolds, and Doris Ottman as his wives.
Scenic design is by Otterbein University professor Rob Johnson, lighting design is by Chad Knutson, and costume design is by Jackie Shelley. Ohio Wesleyan senior Adriana Rodriguez is serving as stage manager.
“Royal Gambit” will be performed in the Studio Theatre of OWU’s Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., Delaware. Tickets are $10 for general admission; $5 for senior citizens and non-Ohio Wesleyan students; and free for Ohio Wesleyan students and employees with a valid OWU ID. To reserve tickets, call the box office at (740) 368-3855. Seating is limited.
For more information about the performance or about studying theatre or dance at Ohio Wesleyan, visit www.owu.edu/TheatreAndDance.
Founded in 1842, Ohio Wesleyan University is one of the nation’s premier liberal arts universities. Located in Delaware, Ohio, the private university offers nearly 90 undergraduate majors and competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports. Through Ohio Wesleyan’s signature OWU Connection program, students integrate knowledge across disciplines, build a diverse and global perspective, and apply their knowledge in real-world settings. Ohio Wesleyan is featured in the book “Colleges That Change Lives,” listed on the latest President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll with Distinction, and included in the U.S. News & World Report and Princeton Review “best colleges” lists. Learn more at www.owu.edu.