Henry VIII (play) facts for kids
Henry VIII is a famous play written by William Shakespeare. It's known as a history play because it tells a story based on real events from the past, specifically about King Henry VIII of England. Shakespeare used old books like Holinshed's Chronicles and The Book of Martyrs by John Foxe to get his facts for the play. This play was first performed around 1612 or 1613. It was probably first printed in a very important collection of Shakespeare's plays called the First Folio in 1623.
Contents
What is Henry VIII About?
This play tells the story of King Henry VIII's life, focusing on some big changes in his reign. It shows his desire to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, because she couldn't have a son who lived. The play then follows his marriage to Anne Boleyn and the birth of their daughter, Elizabeth I. These events were very important for England's history and changed the country's religion.
Who Wrote the Play?
While Henry VIII is known as a play by William Shakespeare, many experts believe that another famous playwright, John Fletcher, helped write it. It was common for writers to work together on plays during that time. John Fletcher was a very popular writer who often worked with Shakespeare. They likely wrote different parts of the play, bringing their unique styles together.
When Was Henry VIII First Performed?
The play was first performed between 1612 and 1613. One famous performance happened at the Globe Theatre in London. During this performance, a cannon used for special effects accidentally set the theater's thatched roof on fire. The Globe Theatre burned down completely, but thankfully, no one was seriously hurt. It was rebuilt the following year.
Images for kids
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The first page of The Famous Hiſtory of the Life of King Henry Eight, printed in the Second Folio of 1632
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Queen Katherine's Dream by William Blake, c. 1825. NGA 11638, National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
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The first edition of Raphael Holinshed's Chronicles of England, Scotlande, and Irelande, printed in 1577.
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John Fletcher, probably the author of more than half of the play
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John Lowin, possibly the first actor to play Henry
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See also
In Spanish: Enrique VIII (teatro) para niños
