K.S. Stanislavsky State Russian Drama Theatre, Yerevan
Directed by Suren Shakhverdian
Scenography by Artur Arutiunian
Costumes by Mary Sargsian
Musical setting by Suren Shakhverdian
Choreography by Ara Asaturian
This production is about excessive lust for power, and readiness to sacrifice everything for that purpose. It is based on the play The Lion in Winter by the American writer James Goldman. The date is 1183. Henry II Plantagenet, king of England, reigns over his great empire, which extends from Scotland through half the provinces of France as far as Aquitaine. Feeling that his life is nearing the end, he is about to decide which one of his three sons becomes his successor. His whole family is brought together for Christmas. After ten years of exile, Henry’s wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, the richest and most influential lady in medieval Europe, arrives at the royal castle too.