Mary Stuart portrays the extraordinary relationship between England’s Elizabeth I and her cousin, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth’s rival to the throne. Through behind-the-scenes intrigue, scheming and betrayal, the play has the feel of a modern-day thriller, building to an electrifying, dramatic confrontation.
It’s 1587, and Mary Queen of Scots has been held under house arrest in England for 19 years by her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. (Mary had fled from Scotland after a Protestant coup under the delusion that Elizabeth would help her, but the ruling queen knows Mary’s Catholic followers would dearly love to see Elizabeth overthrown in favor of Mary.) Although the two women never met in real life, Friedrich Schiller’s historical drama includes a dramatic showdown outside the castle where Mary is held prisoner.