Richard II

Shakespeare’s „worst king“ has practically zero political savvy. The fact that he had one of his uncles murdered antagonised members of the extensive royal family. He also raised the taxes and levies to fund his magnificent court, which incensed large parts of the nobility. And when another uncle died, he confiscated his possessions and sent his sole heir into exile. His reign is characterized by abuse of his position. Henry Bolingbroke leads the rebellion against Richard; the king can no longer govern a country that is so deeply divided. The resulting national crises raises the central question of the legitimacy of people reigning other people.


duration and breaks: 2 hours 15 minutes - no break

program

Richard II
William Shakespeare

Place

Wiener Burgtheater – The Stage of Great Drama and Timeless Classics

The Wiener Burgtheater, often referred to as Austria’s "first stage," is one of the most prestigious and influential German-speaking theaters in Europe. Founded in 1741, it has shaped the theatrical landscape for centuries, standing for artistic excellence, literary classics, and contemporary productions.

Located on Vienna’s Ringstrasse, the Burgtheater is not only an architectural masterpiece but also a place where great playwrights such as Goethe, Schiller, Shakespeare, Arthur Schnitzler, Thomas Bernhard, and Elfriede Jelinek come to life through groundbreaking performances. With its renowned ensemble and innovative direction, the theater masterfully combines tradition with modernity, captivating thousands of theatergoers every year.

Getting There by Public Transport

Subway:

• U2 – Rathaus station (approx. 5-minute walk)

• Lines 1, D, 71 – Rathausplatz/Burgtheater stop
• Lines 2, 46 – Dr.-Karl-Renner-Ring stop

• Line 13A – Theater in der Josefstadt stop (approx. 10-minute walk)