About the Play:

​

The Lion in Winter is a gripping tale of power struggles and familial tension set during the reign of King Henry II. Set during Christmas 1183 at Henry's castle in Chinon, Anjou, the play opens with the arrival of Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, whom he had imprisoned since 1173. Henry also summons their three surviving sons, Richard, Geoffrey, and John, to decide who will inherit the throne after Henry is gone.

 

 Also in attendance is the King of France, Philip II Augustus, the son of Eleanor's ex-husband, Louis VII of France, and  Philip's half-sister Alais, who has been at court since she was betrothed to Richard at age eight but has since become Henry's mistress.  

 

Despite being set in medieval England, The Lion in Winter remains relevant today with its exploration of family dynamics, power plays, and the enduring struggle for legacy. (The 1968 film version starred Katharine Hepburn, Peter O'Toole, Anthony Hopkins, and Timothy Dalton.

Directed by TETCNY Artistic Director and Co-Founder Kevin G. Shinnick, the cast is made up of all local performers: Aaron Duclos (Henry), Feliza Bascara-Zohar (Eleanor), Elizabeth DeFisher( Alais), Brandan Booker (Richard), Wanya Simmons (Geoffrey), Xavier Borges (John), and Parker Ana-Crusis (Philip). See the Cast Page

 

They bring to life complex characters, showcasing the ravw emotions of love, betrayal, and political maneuvering. Far from heavy handed, there are touches of humor throughout the play.

 

The production also features original music by former Rochester area resident, 17-year-old Flynn Ayers.