E2

by Bob Bartlett

Recently crowned, Edward II struggles to lead England while navigating a relationship that could bring about his downfall. A contemporary reimagining of Christopher Marlowe's EDWARD II. E2 premiered at Maryland's Rep Stage in November of 2019.

"Playwright Bartlett ... skillfully distills Marlowe’s large cast of courtiers, clerics and other characters to just a handful of figures, the protagonists in an...

Recently crowned, Edward II struggles to lead England while navigating a relationship that could bring about his downfall. A contemporary reimagining of Christopher Marlowe's EDWARD II. E2 premiered at Maryland's Rep Stage in November of 2019.

"Playwright Bartlett ... skillfully distills Marlowe’s large cast of courtiers, clerics and other characters to just a handful of figures, the protagonists in an engrossing, romantic saga that also reflects meaningfully on homophobia, privacy, social inequality and political corruption." -- Celia Wren, Washington Post

"An imaginative and beautifully executed production ... Striking design, unforgettable performances and superb artistry in Bartlett's poetic new play." -- The Baltimore Sun

"Bob Bartlett’s new play E2 certainly proves it can make a head-turning entrance. This bold and sensuous take on the oft-told tale of King Edward II unfolds against a techno-punk frieze of video lighting and color-form columns that turn even austere 14th century stone into a cushy setting for a Studio 54-style blowout." -- DC Metro Theatre Arts

"... [this] dance party on the edge of the apocalypse works smashingly, with brilliant light, looming digital portraits of the characters that are Robert Mapplethorpe-like in their black and white starkness, sumptuous fabrics and a modern, linear set design that rivet the eye." -- DC Theatre Scene

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E2

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: E2 by Bob Bartlett
    “

    A fascinating look at Marlowe's Edward II that brings the story and the issues it captured to life vividly and accessibly. Well done.

    A fascinating look at Marlowe's Edward II that brings the story and the issues it captured to life vividly and accessibly. Well done.

    ”
  • Liz Dooley: E2 by Bob Bartlett
    “

    As much as I love updates on classic theatre, they can be very hard to do gracefully; E2 succeeds on that front and beyond. It is in turns witty and tragic, exploring not just the homoerotecism of the original but how it is affected by race, power, and technological advances. Excellent work!

    As much as I love updates on classic theatre, they can be very hard to do gracefully; E2 succeeds on that front and beyond. It is in turns witty and tragic, exploring not just the homoerotecism of the original but how it is affected by race, power, and technological advances. Excellent work!

    ”
  • Tina Esper: E2 by Bob Bartlett
    “

    This brilliant reimagining of Marlowe's Edward II stuns and surprises with its adroit humor, clever twists and touching humanity. E2 stradles period drama and contemporary issues with a deftness and skill that had me captivated throughout. A truly luminous play.

    This brilliant reimagining of Marlowe's Edward II stuns and surprises with its adroit humor, clever twists and touching humanity. E2 stradles period drama and contemporary issues with a deftness and skill that had me captivated throughout. A truly luminous play.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

  • Roger Mortimer
    advisor to the King of England; a soldier and paramour of the Queen
    mid to late 30s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Piers de Gaveston
    Earl of Cornwall and a favourite of the King
    mid to late 20s
    Black,
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Prince Edward/Edward III
    pre-teen
    Mixed
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • King Edward II
    the King of England, Edward of Carnavan
    mid to late 20s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Isabella
    daughter of the King of France and wife (Queen Consort) of the King of England
    30s
    Black,
    Latina
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Reading, Rep Stage - The Kennedy Center's Page-to-Stage Festival, 2019
  • Workshop, Rep Stage, 2019
  • Commission, Rep Stage, 2018
  • Workshop, Rep Stage, 2018

Production History

  • Professional, Rep Stage, 2019