The Royal Shakespeare Company has debuted 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King,' a new stage production written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke.
Key facts
- •The play is written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke.
- •The production is set in 281AC (After Conquest).
- •The performance lasts for three hours and 45 minutes.
- •Michael Shaeffer stars as King Aerys II Targaryen.
- •The set design by Chloe Lamford features a cruciform walkway and pyrotechnic effects.
The Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) has launched a new stage production titled 'Game of Thrones: The Mad King.' Written by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke, the play serves as a prequel to the HBO television series, focusing on the events surrounding King Aerys II Targaryen. The production, which runs for three hours and 45 minutes, explores the history of the Targaryen dynasty and other familiar characters from George R.R. Martin's fantasy universe.
Artistic and Economic Rationale
The RSC production aims to address both artistic and financial goals. While George R.R. Martin has long cited Shakespeare’s history plays as an influence, the RSC is also seeking a new commercial success to help manage debts and rising costs. The play utilizes a quasi-Shakespearean dialogue style and features elaborate stagecraft, including puppetry and a set designed by Chloe Lamford that incorporates a sacred tree and pyrotechnic effects.
Narrative and Casting
Set in 281AC, the play acts as a closer prologue to the television series than existing HBO prequels. The cast includes younger versions of characters known from the TV show, such as Jaime Lannister, Ned Stark, and Lord Varys, played by actors including Maxim Ays and Michael Abubakar. The production also highlights characters like Princess Elia Martell and Prince Rhaegar Targaryen, portrayed by Elizabeth Ayodele and Noah Ritter.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by The Guardian Culture.
