“Here is a playwright who is taking on the big themes of feminism with a restless, probing intelligence and political savvy. Her characters are living, breathing, messy human beings who reach for the stars and who stumble in the dirt. These are not mouthpieces for politically correct punditry, but people whose emotions cause chaos and whose ideas drive their passion. In short, this is the best kind of playwriting: thoughtful, full-bodied, and redolent of the stuff of life.” —Bob White, Director of New Plays, Stratford Festival
“…wit, intelligence, power and compassion… a superb first play.” —The Toronto Star
“…funny and fanciful… entertaining and absorbing… racy, in the sense of both pungency and speed.” —The National Post
"…lively… contemporary… unapologetic. Katherine is a kind of a feminist superhero." —The Globe and Mail
"…an astonishing play about a formidable woman… Bracing, moving, gripping." —The Slotkin Letter
"…intriguing historical fact fused with the contemporary… dynamic, engrossing… truly excellent theatre." —PostMedia
A contemporary retelling of the compelling relationship between Katherine Parr and Henry VIII, The Last Wife is a funny, powerful examination of patriarchy, sexual politics, and women's rights.
Kate Parr is smart, confident, and passionate: a rising star in a world of intense competition. But her obligatory marriage to Henry is rife with the threat of violence and the lure of deceit; her secret liaisons with Thom, her husband’s former brother-in-law, could send her to an early grave; and her devotion to the education and equal rights of Henry’s daughters is putting an even bigger strain on her marriage. Does Kate risk her life to gain authority in both her relationship and her political career? Which love will she be led to if she follows her heart? And what kind of future is there for her children if she makes a crucial mistake?
Kate Hennig is a diverse, multi-award-winning theatre artist: a playwright, performer, and teacher. Kate’s first play, The Last Wife, which premiered at the Stratford Festival, was met with rave reviews and will have five further productions in 2017, including a US premiere in Chicago. Kate is currently writing Father’s Daughter, the third play in the Tudor queens series. Born in England and raised in Alberta, she lives and writes in Stratford, Ontario.Visit www.katehennig.com for more information.