Rudolf II

The first public reading of a new play by Edward Einhorn about Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II

Presented as part of the Sixth Floor Reading Series
The Ohio Theater, New York City, June 18, 2007, 7 p.m.
Directed by Henry Akona

One of the most eccentric and fascinating monarchs in history, Rudolf II (1552 – 1612) moved his court from Vienna to Prague in 1583. Patron of the arts and sciences (including alchemy), Rudolf created an extraordinary court which attracted some of the greatest minds of the era including Tycho, Kepler, Spranger and Arcimboldo. Increasingly erratic and reclusive, he was stripped of his power by his brother Matthias in 1611.

Cast
Rudolf II, Holy Roman Emperor: Timothy McCown Reynolds
Rumff, his chamberlain: Stu Richel
Philip Lang, his major domo: Jerry Marsini
Tyco Brahe, his court astonomer: George McGrath

Katerina, Rudolf's mistress: Yvonne Roen
Elizabeth Jane Westin, a mystic: Shelley Ray
Libussa, a mythical queen and prophet: Saysha Heinzman

Production
Playwright: Edward Einhorn
Director: Henry Akona
Dramaturg: Karen Lee Ott