Creating Historical Drama

Abstract

The public education department of the Archives considered various ways in which to introduce this major acquisition to the public. It might have chosen to present various program formats such as a panel discussion or a series of lectures. Instead, the Archives chose to present a newly written play, Second in the Realm, which in dramatic form told the story of how Magna Carta was won for England. The play was presented in June, 1988, and it was an example of how effective historical drama can be as a teaching tool. It was far better attended than the other formats would have been. The comprehension level of the audience was high, because the material was presented to them in a form they could easily absorb. Most important, depicting the story of Magna Carta in dramatic form reminded the audience as no panel discussion could of the human element in the struggle to limit the king's authority. Yet, as the play's author, I have learned a great deal about the limitations of historical drama. A play is not always the best educational