HISTORY MEETS #METOO

Misuse of power. Seduction. Manipulation. Love. Betrayal. Five hundred years of politics and sex, and one could argue that little has changed. Or so it seems when the story of the wives of Henry VIII, King of England in the 1500s, is told through modern lenses.

“Divorced. Beheaded. Died. Divorced. Beheaded. Survived.” The Regina Monologues, written by Rebecca Russell and Jenny Wafer, which is being presented by the Fringe Theater January 18-21 at 7pm in the Parish Hall at St Paul’s Church, gives voice to the six wives of Henry VIII.

Catherine of Aragon, wife #1 played by Diane May, was 24 when she married the 18-year old Henry. Almost twenty years, one daughter, and some serious political maneuverings later, Henry had their marriage annulled.  

Anne Boleyn, wife #2 played by Erin McKenna, was 24 when she caught the interest of the very married 34-year old Henry. She refused to be his mistress, so Henry destroyed England’s relationship to the Catholic Church so that they could eventually wed. Despite being the mother to Henry’s second daughter, Anne was beheaded at age 35 when Henry’s interest wandered elsewhere. 

Jane Seymour, wife #3 played by Lisa Elena Monda, was 28 when she married the 45-year old Henry (days after Anne’s execution). She died after she gave birth to Henry’s son. She was 29 years old. Henry did not remarry for three years.  

Anne of Cleves, wife #4 played by Melody Moore, was 25 when her marriage to the 49-year old Henry was arranged — sight unseen. The marriage was reported as non-consummated and rumors ran wild as to just why. The couple amicably divorced soon after the wedding. Anne lived out her life as Henry’s “beloved sister.”   

Kathryn Howard, wife #5 played by Jade Williamson, was 15 when the (almost) 50-year old Henry took a fancy to her. She was beheaded for “failing to disclose her sexual history to the king within twenty days of their marriage.” The law was 6 days old. She was 19 years old.  

Katherine Parr, wife #6 played by Ellen Rickert, was 31 and twice widowed when she married the 52-year old Henry. She was key to restoring Henry’s daughters to the line of royal succession. She was also a capable regent, published author, and out-lived Henry by one year.  

The Regina Monologues, which is directed by Rebecca Tomlinson, runs January 18-21 in the Parish Hall at St Paul’s Episcopal Church, which is near the corner of Eaton and Bahama St. Doors open at 6:30pm for the 7pm show. Tickets are $20-$30 in advance and $35 at the door. Tickets are available online at www.fringetheater.org or by calling 305-731-0581.

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