This contemporary re-imagining of the compelling relationship between Henry VIII and his last wife, Katherine Parr, is a witty and powerful examination of sexual politics and women’s rights.
We asked The Last Wife cast about this wonderful play. Here is what they said:
ALLISON SPRATT PEARCE (Kate)
Why do you feel this play is relevant today?
It’s a play that has many layers. Not just about the struggles that women have dealt with for centuries, but how people use power to control and manipulate.
What drew you to this script?
Katherine Parr was an unknown hero. She changed the course of history for all women. I wanted to play that woman. I wanted to live in her daily life filled with danger, struggles, and successes. What better way to do that, than peel Parr open with The Last Wife!
MANNY FERNANDES (Henry)
Why do you feel this play is relevant today?
In today’s sexual/political climate it is extremely relevant, maybe more so than it was just a couple of years ago when it was written. It’s an example of the seemingly endless struggle women have had in gaining what should be their natural rights of equality and respect.
What drew you to this script?
I was drawn by the strong writing and the chance to dive into this complex character. During his reign, Henry seemed to be both feared and beloved. A man who was a reluctant King and yet not afraid to exercise his authority.
CASHAE MONYA MEADS (Mary)
Why do you feel this play is relevant today?
This play is relevant because there is a dire need for discussion about gender equality and patriarchal privilege.
What drew you to this script?
I was drawn to the script because I love exploring history in an accessible, contemporary, and dramatic manner. History usually never interests me unless it is told in a way that doesn’t feel static or irrelevant. This play is not only relevant but deeply necessary in this current political climate.
GIOVANNI COZIC (Eddie)
Why do you feel this play is relevant today?
I like this show because it is about strong women. I think men try to control what place women have where they work and in politics and pretty much everywhere and it has happened throughout history. I also think this play shows how families can change and look different. It is not about just a mom and dad and their kids, there are other people who come into their lives and change how the family works.
What drew you to this script?
I didn’t read the script before I auditioned. The part of Eddie is a bit sad because his mom died and he now has a new mom, a dad who doesn’t spend a lot of time with him, and he is just a kid who doesn’t have any control of the things that are happening in his life even though he is stuck in the middle.
BOBBY CHIU (Eddie)
Why do you feel this play is relevant today?
The personal and social issues still resonate, and the danger and intrigue is exciting.
What drew you to this script?
Who wouldn’t want to be a prince?!
STEVEN LONE (Thom)
Why do you feel this play is relevant today?
It seems as though every day we learn of a new person-in-power stepping down from allegations of sexual misconduct, misogyny, inappropriate behavior, to name a few. With the head of our country also steeped in such charges, now more than ever, a story about women living surrounded by such men is more poignant than ever. But even more important, a story about strong women who fought through the noise and risked death for what they believed in, in order to advance women even if it wasn’t in their lifetime, is such an important part of history to know and hopefully inspire all people in our current climate to fight for what they believe is right.
What drew you to this script?
The point of view of the story. I’ve known the story of Henry VIII through various studies of the classics and history, but never have I learned much about the women who endured him. Especially never about his last wife and all the incredible things she accomplished as a woman in those times, not just as the kings wife, but as a person in general. Plus, it’s expressed beautifully with great dialogue and complex characters. Really humanized these people, which is attractive to an artist like me when considering a project.
Get your tickets today! The Last Wife closes on February 11th.