My mother, a dedicated reader of all things Elizabeth I (extending to her father, Henry VIII), will be very jealous.
As the nearby Folger Shakespeare Library prepares for the 2010-2011 season, one of the treats in store is a rare performance of Shakespeare’s Henry VIII. I know nothing about this particular play. In fact, I suspect that it is not very good, or else we should see it performed more often (it’s not a coincidence that the world doesn’t lack for performances of Twelfth Night, one of the Bard’s best plays). But a rarity has value simply in being uncommon.
Perhaps more exciting is the upcoming exhibition, Vivat Rex, celebrating the ascencion of young Henry to the throne of England. The exhibitions at the Folger, though not large, are always well curated and informative. My favorite, so far, was the one they had the other year on early newspapers and periodicals.
I think it’s because Henry VIII is only half his. I think they’ve figured he co-wrote it with Beaumont or Fletcher (I can’t recall which).
You are absolutely right – John Fletcher is believed to have worked on it.
I will still go see it – a play half written by Shakespeare is better than a play wholly written by virtually anyone else.