The play, which explores the relationship between Edward II and his lover Piers Gaveston, stars Mark Vietor as the title character. Marlowe's work shines anew in the world-premiere adaptation by the late Garland Wright. "King Edward the Second asserts his right to have the private life he desires, only to have his love, his life and his kingdom destroyed," press materials state. "A timely examination of the struggle for personal human rights amidst a powerful public need for political expediency. It examines the question of whether an individual in public service has the right to a personal life. In a climate of political opportunism, this play confronts the question of individual rights head on, leading to a universal discussion of human rights, amidst a great personal and very public drama of sex, power, and war."

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At left (from top): Matthew Rauch (l.) and Marc Vietor; director Jesse Berger; Claire Lautier; Lucas Hall; Kenajuan Bentley; Michael Emerson and Carrie Preston; Michael Stuhlbarg; Tracie Thoms; Michael Urie; and Mark Rylance.

Below: The cast of Edward the Second take their opening night bows.

photos by Aubrey Reuben