Manga Shakespeare Henry VIII

The other Henry

2009-04-27T05:18:00.000-07:00

If you can't get enough of Henry VIII, you might like to check out The Tudors books and DVDs. I think the books have great covers - though they are a bit saucy, so avert your eyes if you are easily offended by bodices that look like they might rip (or be ripped) at any moment.

'Henry VIII', cast (part three)

2009-04-27T05:10:00.000-07:00

More characters from the court of 'Henry VIII'

2009-04-27T05:06:00.000-07:00

Introducing the cast of Shakespeare's 'Henry VIII' (part one)

2009-04-27T04:57:00.000-07:00

"Henry VIII" or "All Is True"

2009-04-27T04:30:00.000-07:00

We wouldn't be surprised if you'd never heard of Shakespeare's play, Henry VIII. It was one of his later history plays and is considered to have been written in collaboration with his successor, John Fletcher.

This is a quick synopsis of the play, which gives an outline of the story. It isn't the traditional story of Henry and his wives but it does include characters that you will recognise: Katheryn of Arragon, Anne Boleyn and Cardinal Wolsey...

Following the King’s triumphant summit-meeting in France, organized by his ambitious minister Wolsey, there is factional unrest back home at court. Wolsey’s arch-rival Buckingham suspects corruption – but Wolsey is a dangerous enemy: after bribing his “Surveyor” to give false evidence, Buckingham is arrested for treason. Praised by the King for thwarting Buckingham's “conspiracy”, Wolsey’s schemes are opposed by Queen Katherine, who joins Norfolk in condemning him for the savage taxation he has introduced. Of this policy the King knows nothing, and when he orders its cancellation, Wolsey privately seeks the political credit for doing so. The Surveyor testifies that Buckingham intended to murder the King.

Wolsey celebrates by throwing a riotous banquet, which is interrupted by a group of masked revellers – among them the King himself, who is smitten with his dancing-partner: Anne Boleyn by name. Love and politics now begin to interwine. Buckingham forgives his enemies, and dies nobly; Wolsey’s schemes continue. Next on his agenda is the divorce between the King and his Catholic Queen, but this is opposed by Norfolk and others, whose appeals to recognize Wolsey's intrigues Henry ignores, instead welcoming Wolsey and the papal legate Campeius, and instructing his unscrupulous secretary Gardiner to initiate formal divorce proceedings. Henry has meanwhile sent an expensive gift to Anne Boleyn...

Despite Katherine’s spirited defence against Wolsey, Henry expresses doubts over the sanctity of their marriage (she is the widow of his dead brother Arthur): she is persuaded to accept the divorce to avoid scandal. Wolsey’s political success is nevertheless short-lived: he has inadvertently included some incriminating documents in some papers sent to the King, and when Henry returns them, Wolsey realizes the game is up. Arrested and charged by Norfolk, he stoically accepts his fate, advising his deputy, Cromwell, faithfully to serve the King – now newly married to Anne Boleyn. The factionalism continues, though, even on Anne's Coronation Day, this time between Gardiner and Cromwell's friend (and Henry's close adviser) Cranmer.

When word of Wolsey’s execution is brought to the ailing Katherine, she forgives him, honouring his Christian repentance after a symbolic dream. From Queen Katherine’s death-bed we move to news of Queen Anne's child-bed – she is enduring a dangerous labour. Amidst this uncertainty, King Henry gives Cranmer a signet-ring, symbolic of his royal protection – and then news arrives that Anne has safely given birth to a daughter. When Gardiner accuses Cranmer of heresy in the next day’s cabinet-meeting, and orders him to prison, Cranmer reveals the King’s ring – whereupon Henry himself emerges to denounce Gardiner’s faction, requesting Cranmer to preside over the ceremonial baptism of his new daughter – the future Queen Elizabeth I.

Sneak peek of Henry VIII toned pages...

2009-01-23T05:36:00.000-08:00

Photo refs from Hampton Court, setting for Henry VIII

2009-01-23T05:21:00.000-08:00

Kathryn and Anne

2009-01-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

Some of the first linework (no toning, no text)

2008-11-17T09:55:00.000-08:00

Katherine and Anne

2008-11-03T07:35:00.000-08:00

Prep sketch of Stephen Gardiner

2008-10-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

The first glimpse of Katherine of Aragon

2008-10-21T08:37:00.000-07:00

Our Henry

2008-10-06T08:05:00.001-07:00

Our unique partnership – Henry VIII

2008-10-06T07:41:00.001-07:00

In a unique partnership the 'UK Young Publisher of the Year' SelfMadeHero publishes Henry VIII as part of its acclaimed Manga Shakespeare series in association with Historic Royal Palaces, the charity responsible for Hampton Court Palace and four other uninhabited royal palaces in and around London.

The manga version of Henry VIII was originally a play written by William Shakespeare that has strong connections with Hampton Court Palace, which you will find out about through this production blog. It will be published in April 2009 will coincide with the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII's accession to the throne.

The artist for Henry VIII is Patrick Warren, who illustrated Richard III in the Manga Shakespeare series in 2007. Patrick is researching period costumes, interiors and exteriors at Hampton Court Palace and the Tower of London to create a manga blend of historical accuracy and Shakespearean drama.

The team behind the manga will be posting character sketches and page layouts from Patrick, snippets from the script as well as images from Hampton Court Place that are used by Patrick as he creates Henry VIII.

We'll also post stories about Hampton Court Palace's connection to Henry VIII's story and events at the Palace connected to the manga.

Ning.com

2008-10-06T04:52:00.001-07:00