This content is from Wikipedia. We do not consider this content professional or citable. Please use your discretion when relying on it. GradeSaver also offers a professionally written study guide by one of our staff editors.

Introduction

Henry IV (Italian: Enrico IV) is a play by Luigi Pirandello, considered by some to be his masterpiece. Written in just two weeks in 1921 and first performed in 1922, it studies the comedy and tragedy of madness and is based on Pirandello’s experiences with his wife who struggled with the disease all her life.

There are many translations into English, including one by Tom Stoppard, which departs considerably from the original Italian. This translation was performed in mid-2004 at the Donmar Warehouse in London, starring Francesca Annis and Ian McDiarmid as Henry IV.