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Friedrich Schiller was born in 1759 in the duchy of Würtemberg, the son of an army officer and was eventually placed by the Duke of Würtemberg into a military academy. This was done despite the fact that he was not interested in the military as a career at all, and Schiller found his first outlet for his emotions in writing poetry. Eventually his interests moved to drama, but his secret writings were discovered by his superiors in 1789 and he was forbidden to write. Unable to keep himself from writing, he eventually deserted and fled to Mannheim where he lived and worked as a playwright under an assumed name. For a time after that he devoted himself to the study of history, putting aside his writing, and won himself fame as a historian.
After several years of studying history, he became close friends with the famous playwright Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, who encouraged him to return to his pursuits, which he did. One of the plays that resulted from his years of historical research was Mary Stuart, which is still recognized and performed today as one of his most famous and popular works. Though he died relatively young, at the age of 46, in 1805, Schiller's Mary Stuart has continued his legacy throughout the world, and many version of it have been made and performed on the stage.
Mary Queen of Scots, is an incredibly fascinating historical figure in the history of England, she is also one of the most controversial monarchs to have set her foot on British soil. Incredibly beautiful and kind, a fact acknowledged even by her enemies, Mary was not a very politically capable ruler, though she was very benevolent, and took an early stand for religious freedom in an age rife with religious persecution. Throughout her short reign Mary continually sought peace and prosperity for her subjects.
All this stands in sharp contrast to her one-time claim to the thrones of Scotland, France, England and Ireland which is often attributed to her father-in-law, the king of France. Her political skills were so lacking, in fact, that she was unable to rule even her own country of Scotland, and eventually her third marriage ended in disgrace and she was forced to abdicate to her infant son. Following this occurrence she fled to England, hoping to find sympathy from her cousin, Queen Elizabeth I. Unfortunately, her presence was a danger to the queen, who lived in a constant fear of Catholic plotting on behalf of Mary. She was executed at the age of only 44 in 1587, but her son, James I, eventually became king of England.
In Friederich Schiller's story, told in Mary Stuart, opens with the Queen of Scots is imprisoned and accused of abetting Sir Anthony Babington's plot against Queen Elizabeth. The story gives a dramatic retelling of Mary's defense before the judges who in the end condemn her to death by beheading. It also reveals that the English were in violation of their own law when they denied Mary a chance to confront the witnesses who were accusing her. Mary Stuart Broadway tickets are an exciting revival of a classic play, that you are certain to enjoy. The play is certain to sell out fast, so be sure to check out http://www.stubhub.com/mary-stuart-broadway-tickets for your choice of tickets on the night that you want to attend.