Archduke

Archduke description

Roll back time to 1914 when one man's assassination led to a world war that killed and maimed millions, changed the lives of those who mourned back home, and altered the course of history. Archduke tells the gripping story of the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand Carl Ludwig Joseph Maria of Austria, and it is almost accurate! It is also very funny, deeply dark and knife-sharp, a fictional take on real-life written by Pulitzer Prize finalist Rajiv Joseph.

The location is Belgrade. The year is 1914. Europe is in trouble already. Then two starving young men are bribed to kill the Archduke, offered food for carrying out a crime that'll ignite the world, tipping the continent into a hellish five year war. Themes of destiny, revolution, and the ridiculous catalysts that can change history lead the way in this brilliant piece of historical fiction. The fun is directed by Lyndsey Turner (The Crucible, 1536) and designed by Es Devlin (The Lehman Trilogy), and this is just one of a series of dazzling 2026 dramas designed to celebrate the Royal Court Theatre's 70th anniversary.

Playing at Royal Court Theatre (venue info)