ALL LIVE TO DIE, AND RISE TO FALL

Renaissance meets post-modernism in director Joe Hill-Gibbons' hyper-stylized take on Marlowe's early modern work. This behind-the-scenes exploration of power and sexual obsession is imbued with the flair and spirit of the Young Vic, in which Joe Hill-Gibbons works as deputy artistic director. Striking displays of athleticism and energy underpin the explosive drama on stage, while a mixture of ancient and modern costumes adds to the spectacle.

The use of live video and closed captioning, displayed on giant screens flanking the Olivier Theatre's stage, lends a distinctively Brechtian air to the play. Based on a turbulent piece of English history, the rising tension and final climax of the last act is superbly acted by a stellar ensemble cast.

WHAT IS EDWARD II ABOUT?

Upon his coronation, King Edward II recalls his lover, Pierce de Gaveston, from exile. Flagrantly flaunting his affair in front of his wife, Queen Isabella, and his court, Edward's love for Gaviston is judged as unyielding and unwholesome. The noblemen, lead in their antipathy by Mortimer, are sworn to enforce the decree of de Gaviston's exile and despise the ill-fated couple. They threaten the King with revolt if de Gaviston is not sent away once more.

Stubborn Edward continues his affair and things come to a head when he lavishes titles and estates upon de Gaviston, also sentencing the instigator of de Gaviston's exile, the Bishop of Coventry, to death. Edward's noblemen and scorned Queen Isabella counteract in the play's tumultuous and violent ending.