Secret deals. Threats of mass destruction. Shifting loyalties.
What a difference 800 years makes.
He may be king, but unlike his older brother Richard the Lionheart, John has no stirring nickname, and everyone from the Pope to his own court seems to think his crown is up for grabs. Taking his audience back to the time of the Magna Carta, Shakespeare slyly commented on the politics of his own day. Now director Aaron Posner brings us this toxic brew of ambition and indecision in this rarely staged but timely history.
Running time for King John is approximately two hours, fifteen minutes plus a fifteen minute intermission.
Enjoy select production photos below.
Consider joining us for a special performance of King John to enhance your theater-going experience.
Visit Folger Digital Texts to view a detailed synopsis and download a free copy of the full Folger Shakespeare Library edition of King John.
Explore the play as well as its performance history and highlights from the Folger collection through the King John topics page.
Who's Who
Folger Theatre gratefully acknowledges the kind support of the following sponsors.
Season Sponsors:
Maygene and Steve Daniels
Helen and David Kenney and Family
Roger and Robin Millay
Neal T. Turtell
Scott and Liz Vance
Production Sponsors:
John and Connie McGuire
Nicky Cymrot
Nancy and Steve Howard
Contributing Sponsor:
Jeffrey P. Cunard
Keith and Celia Arnaud
Associate Sponsors:
Pam McFarland and Brian Hagenbuch
Howard M. Brown
Barbra Eaton and Ed Salners
Rick Kasten
Julianna Mahley
William and Louisa Newlin
Carolyn and Mark Olshaker
Media Sponsor:
Maryland Public Television
Folger Theatre's production is part of Shakespeare in American Communities, a national program of the National Endowment for the Arts in partnership with Arts Midwest.
This project was supported by the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanties, which receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.