What is the historical significance of the Tourney at Harrenhal that the play focuses on?

The Tourney at Harrenhal is the pivotal event that sparked Robert's Rebellion, a major conflict in Game of Thrones lore. At this tournament, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen fell in love with Lyanna Stark and ran away with her, despite being married to Elia of Dorne. This incited Robert Baratheon—who was engaged to Lyanna—to lead a rebellion that ultimately deposed the Mad King and caused the downfall of House Targaryen, setting the stage for the entire Game of Thrones narrative.[1]

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5d ago

RSC to Stage Game of Thrones Prequel The Mad King

The Royal Shakespeare Company will premiere Game of Thrones: The Mad King this summer at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre, adapted by Duncan Macmillan from material by George R.R. Martin.

Overview

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The Royal Shakespeare Company will stage Game of Thrones: The Mad King at its Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford-upon-Avon this summer, with tickets going on sale in April, producers said.

The play is set about 10 years before the original books and TV series and is adapted by Duncan Macmillan and directed by Dominic Cooke from new material by George R.R. Martin.

George R.R. Martin said he welcomed the stage adaptation and will serve as executive producer, and the adaptors described the story's dynastic struggle as Shakespearean in scale, the companies said.

Game of Thrones ran eight seasons from 2011 to 2019, won 59 Emmy Awards, and a petition of roughly 1.8 million fans called to remake season eight, the sources noted.

Casting is underway with offers made to two key roles, tickets will be available from April, and the RSC will stage the production in its Royal Shakespeare Theatre, which seats just over 1,000.

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Center-leaning sources frame the story positively as an authoritative, culturally significant theatrical event by foregrounding creators' enthusiasm and RSC prestige, using celebratory language ("thrilling", "perfect fit"), privileging creator quotes while omitting critical viewpoints, and structuring copy to read as promotional and fan-oriented.

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: The Tourney at Harrenhal is the pivotal event that sparked Robert's Rebellion, a major conflict in Game of Thrones lore. At this tournament, Prince Rhaegar Targaryen fell in love with Lyanna Stark and ran away with her, despite being married to Elia of Dorne. This incited Robert Baratheon—who was engaged to Lyanna—to lead a rebellion that ultimately deposed the Mad King and caused the downfall of House Targaryen, setting the stage for the entire Game of Thrones narrative.[1]
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