Gorboduc (play)

[4] The play is notable for several reasons: as the first verse drama in English to employ blank verse; for its political subject matter (the realm of Gorboduc is disputed by his sons Ferrex and Porrex), which was still a touchy area in the early years of Elizabeth's reign, while the succession to the throne was unclear; for its manner, progressing from the models of the morality play and Senecan tragedy in the direction which would be followed by later playwrights.

It also provides the first well-documented performance of a play in Ireland: Charles Blount, 8th Baron Mountjoy staged it at Dublin Castle in 1601.

The playtext summarizes the plot in the 'Argument': "Gorboduc, King of Britain, divided his realm in his lifetime to his sons, Ferrex and Porrex.

The people, moved with the cruelty of the fact, rose in rebellion and slew both father and mother.

Porrex meets his father and justifies his actions, saying that he was content to rule his kingdom but that his brother plotted to take his lands.

Fergus, Duke of Albany, plans to gain the throne and begins raising an army while his friends try to gather support.

Eubulus bemoans the chaos that has happened to the country and says that Parliament should have been called while the King was alive, but that justice will eventually prevail.