Tug Of War: Foreign Fire

Edward III, Henry V, Henry VI, Part 1

May 11

June 12, 2016

at Chicago Shakespeare Theater

by William Shakespeare
adapted and directed by Barbara Gaines

All-American Shakespeare in the best possible sense, at once unabashedly populist in style and unswervingly serious in artistic purpose.

The Wall Street Journal

A bold and magnificent venture… this gripping take on the history plays is rocking Chicago

The Guardian (UK)

The Play

Get ready for the ultimate game of thrones... Artistic Director Barbara Gaines takes us on a riveting gallop through two centuries, distilling six Shakespeare masterworks into two action-packed dramas that trace the rise and fall of kings, and the uncommon courage of common men. Power plays, ego, lust, humor and, yes, even love: no writer surpassed Shakespeare in portraying the forces that drive leaders to war—or the wisdom and valor of the common soldier. Twenty-two actors including a four-member band, form the company that will satisfy your craving for a multi-episode immersion into some of the most brilliant stories of the cyclical human condition. The adventure begins with Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI, Part 1 in Foreign Fire, where France is the prize. The action continues in Fall 2016 when turmoil seizes England in Tug of War: Civil Strife.

WATCH & LISTEN

Video: Tug of War: Foreign Fire Montage

Video: Meet the Company

Video: Creating "Tug of War"

Gallery: First Rehearsal

Gallery: Design Renderings

Audio: Shakespeare on How War Affects the Common People on WBEZ

Video: Barbara Gaines on "Tug of War"

Audio: Pre•Amble with Regina Buccola, May 21, 2016

Audio: Pre•Amble with Rebecca Fall, May 22, 2016

More to Explore

Critical Acclaim

"Boldly drawn, slashingly direct and as fast-moving as an arrow whizzing toward its target..." raves The Wall Street Journal.
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About Barbara Gaines

The award-winning director of over 30 of Shakespeare's plays, Gaines strives to make his great works accessible to Chicago and the world.
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Access Shakespeare

CST strives to make our facility and performances accessible to all patrons. Our staff is ready to help in any way possible.
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A Scholar's Perspective

In Tug of War the tugs are many: on the monarchs and other mortals who people the plays, on Shakespeare, and on us.
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Playgoer's Guide

Explore an overview of the struggles and desires of Edward III, Henry V and Henry VI as the English lust for control of France leading to the Hundred Years' War.
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