Orlando Shakes’ Fire and Reign series will take audiences on an epic journey of Shakespeare’s own version of “Game of Thrones.”

Orlando Shakes will produce seven Shakespeare productions in chronological order, exploring wars, alliances, battles, and betrayals that cover the Rise of Henry V and the Wars of the Roses, from Richard II – Richard III. This series offers patrons the once in a lifetime opportunity to experience these exciting and rarely performed plays examining the rise and fall of kings and the end of an English dynasty. Four of these plays will make their first appearance on Orlando Shakes’ stages, furthering the company’s goal to complete the canon of all of Shakespeare’s plays.

“Patrons will find the stories of kings, queens, crowns and the struggle for power very familiar as it served as an inspiration for George R.R. Martin’s Game of Thrones: A Song of Fire and Ice series,” said Artistic Director Jim Helsinger. “This is truly a powerful experience that will appeal to modern audiences.”

Throughout the series, patrons will receive a stamp at each production which they can place in a commemorative Fire and Reign passport. When attending performances of Richard II, patrons will received their passport and first stamp. Those who successfully see the entire series will receive a limited-edition “I’ve Seen Fire and I’ve Seen Reign!” t-shirt.

Our limited-edition Henry V dog tag features art from the Fire and Reign series.

Earn swag along the way!

Patrons who see Orlando Shakes’ Henry IV, Part 1, Bare Bard: Henry IV, Part 2, as well as soon to be announced production of Henry V, will earn a limited-edition “I saw the Rise of Henry V” dog tag.

Patrons who see Orlando Shakes’ three Wars of the Roses productions—Henry VI: The Red Rose, Edward IV: The White Rose, and Richard III: The Bottled Spider—will earn a limited-edition “I survived the Wars of the Roses” dog tag.

FIRE AND REIGN SERIES

Spring 2019

Richard II – Goldman Theater
“I wasted time, and now doth time waste me.” Convinced of his divine right to rule, King Richard II never expected to be undone by his own maladroit mortal wrongs. By brashly putting his own vanity before the needs of his kingdom, he creates the perfect opening for Henry Bolingbroke to seize the throne. Shakespeare’s deeply moving and insightful retelling reveals how one man’s bumbling mistakes can shape a nation’s political landscape and change the course of history.

Summer 2019

The Young Company: Henry V – Margeson Theater
This production of Henry V by The Young Company is a showcase by our high school summer theater troupe. If you would like to follow the series in chronological order, you’ll have an additional opportunity to get your Henry V stamp in spring 2020!

Spring 2020

Henry IV, Part 1 – Margeson Theater
“Two stars keep not their motion in one sphere.” King Henry IV attempts to pass on his knowledge of the kingdom in vain, while his reckless son, Prince Hal, squanders his youth at the taverns with his lowbrow comrades. When a fierce rival threatens the throne, will the young prince rise to the occasion?

Spring 2022

Henry IV, Part 2 – Margeson Theater
“Uneasy lies the head that wears a crown.” See William Shakespeare’s story of burnt bridges and growing pains stripped down to a lively, raw, rambunctious performance, like nothing you’ve experienced before. Orlando Shakes’ actors will tackle Henry IV, Part 2 with less than 40 hours of rehearsal, no designers, and no director – just like the acting companies of Shakespeare’s time!

Dates To Be Announced…

Henry V
“Once more unto the breach…” See our unlikely hero confront the trials of kingship and become the inspirational leader his nation needs in Shakespeare’s historic coming-of-age story.

Henry VI: The Red Rose (Henry VI, Parts 1 & 2) – Margeson Theater
“Fight till the last gasp.” After his death, Henry V’s grand legacy begins to crumble. England’s noblemen squabble for power and influence, all while trying to fend off the French. As young Henry VI prepares to take the throne, the nobles are divided between the White Rose of York and the Red Rose of Lancaster. The clash between the two houses dawns a civil war with the power to weaken the nation.

Edward IV: The White Rose (Henry VI, Parts 2 & 3) – Margeson Theater
“Suspicion always haunts the guilty mind.” The struggle for power continues, as Shakespeare chronicles the series of battles that threw a once stable nation into pandemonium. Family ties, love, and betrayal drive Edward IV’s rise to power over a weak and divided kingdom.

Richard III: The Bottled Spider – Margeson Theater
“Bloody thou art, bloody will be thy end.” Jealous, jaded, and twisted, Richard of Gloucester’s yearn for power will lead him down a road of betrayal, deceit, and violence. Desperate to succeed, the cunning tyrant will stop at nothing to rule. The Fire and Reign series ends with a mesmerizingly unapologetic Shakespearean masterpiece.