TNT ends season with drama

The play is a fictionalized tale based on history.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NILES -- Trumbull New Theatre will end its 2005-06 season with a classic play from the '60s.
"The Lion in Winter," directed by TNT president Dr. James LaPolla, is a fictional tale of King Henry II of England, set in Chinon, Anjou, which is now part of France, in 1183. Written by James Goldman, the story is not historically based, although there are many factual elements.
"The title, 'The Lion in Winter' represents Henry in his old age," said LaPolla.
"It is set at Christmas, as he struggles over which of his three sons will be his successor. John, his favorite, was a numbskull. Prince Richard the Lion-Hearted joined the Crusades, then eventually became King Richard of England. Geoffrey didn't amount to anything.
"Henry's wife, Eleanor of Aquitaine, is kept imprisoned. He has temporarily released her for Christmas, although historically, there was no Christmas court at Chinon in 1183."
LaPolla also adds that these were very barbaric times and the costumes and set reflect this unsophisticated period.
Approach to role
Emily Webster Love plays Eleanor and bubbles with excitement for the play and character. It is her second time to portray this fiercely powerful woman, having been cast in the role nearly 30 years ago at the Youngstown Playhouse. But this time around, she is approaching the challenge differently.
"I love the language of the play," said Love.
"I am struck by the beauty of the lines -- the almost poetic stanzas, which is what drew me the first time. But this time, I decided to read up on my history to find out as much as I could about this vicious woman."
Love jokes that she never plays nice women. "This one is a holy terror -- a witch with a capital 'B'. She is called 'The Renaissance woman' -- the freest-thinking woman of all time. Before she was married to Henry, she was married to King Louis and insisted on accompanying him on the Crusades. When they were unsuccessful, she was blamed. It was unheard of that a woman should behave that way. She was lascivious, licentious, an adulteress, and certainly not a typical queen -- strong and demanding."
According to Love, Eleanor took her favorite son, Richard, back to Aquitaine, which was hers, and took over her duties as Duchess. But she eventually conspired with her three sons to rise up against Henry, so he had her imprisoned in Salisbury Tower in England.
On special occasions, he would release her, and she would return to the castle at Chinon.
Other details
"Her imprisonment was not miserable; in fact, she liked it there," said Love.
"But she is mortified when she discovers Henry's plans for choosing an heir. He is having an affair with Alais, the young sister of King Philip of France. Henry has had many mistresses, but this one is different. He plans to have his marriage to Eleanor annulled and marry Alais to have new sons to choose as heirs. Eleanor's favorite is Richard, and Henry loves John best, but knows that he is nothing but a spoiled brat. Henry is frightened of death, and the three sons want the power."
Love said that she thinks of the play as a comedy. "When you see it and hear these lines, you will laugh," Love added. "It is filled with anachronisms."