One of the tours-de-force of European theatre, Schiller's masterpiece is based on the rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots.
There are no prizes for guessing where his sympathies lie. Yet Schiller (1759-1805) presents a Mary who though appealing is far from perfect - and therein lies the genius of the play. As the play opens, Mary, long imprisoned by Elizabeth, is still intent on freedom and has her moments of girlishness. This is a fascinating study of a monarch at the mercy of politics as well as personal pride and a heroine who knows she has sinned yet refuses to be a meek victim. The play is Shakespearean in form: the speeches are lengthy and passionate, the rival women are brilliantly drawn, while the plot excels in depicting the duplicity of court intrigue in all its ruthlessness. Magnificent.
