In the Spring of 1445, Margaret of Anjou (15 years old) married Henry VI and became Queen of England as well as nominal Queen of France. She was the second daughter of Rene, King of Naples (among other countries) and had one son (Edward of Westminster) by Henry. Henry suffered from disabling mental illness, and for that reason, Margaret often ruled in his place. She was a key player in The War of the Roses and a nimble strategist. After the defeat at Tewkesbury in 1475, she found refuge with her French cousin, King Louis XI, living under his protection till she died in 1482.
A collaboration of Stephan Wolfert and Dawn Stern, She-Wolf depicts the strong-tempered, valiant Margaret, thrust into the upheaval of the English court, awash in politics, betrayal and savages scaling the battlements. Stern and Wolfert have gathered details of Margaret’s reign from Shakespeare’s Henry VI and Richard III, adapting it to his style, diction and strategies. There’s a brightness to Shakespeare, a gorgeous, punchy playfulness to his banter. A rough yet comforting texture to his jeremiads. Wolfert and Stern capture this, as well as the chaos, brutality and profound disappointment that Margaret endured.
Needless to say, Amphibian plays on our expectations, encouraging us to look for some harridan, without mercy or moral compass. Gratefully, Margaret may not be especially demure, but neither is she the lurid predator the title suggests. [Were they nudged by the Cult-Schlock favorite: Ilsa: She Wolf of the SS?) She navigated the hazards and catastrophes of managing an empire, without any of the appreciation or credit. Imagine the condescension, the viciousness, the constant leering and salaciousness. If this queen had not been sharp, vigilant and resolute she’d have been lost.
It’s not unusual to see Shakespeare staged with minimal sets, props and costumes, but very rare to see it with such exuberant, forceful comprehension. James Edward Becton, Drew Ledbetter, Stephan Wolfert and Dawn Stern are nothing less than commanding; gripping us with intuitive, intrepid gusto. Their versatility is only exceeded by their locomotion. The capacious set, with its pikes and pennants, its shadowy background, gives us a curiously raw, yet crisp effect. We are drawn flawlessly into this stunning, rapid-fire narrative, with all its exhilarating emotion.
Amphibian Stage Productions presents: She-Wolf (The Story of Margaret of Anjou). Playing October – 18th- November 10th, 2019. 120 South Main Street, Fort Worth, Texas 76104. 817-923-3012. www.amphibianstage.com