Maria Stuarda Programme Book 2022

ACT II
Elizabeth struggles with the idea of signing
Mary’s death sentence, but Cecil convinces
her. Leicester arrives just as she signs, and
continues to plead for Mary’s life, but in
vain, and Elizabeth orders him to be there to
witness the execution.
Mary bemoans her misfortune and fears
for Leicester. Talbot enters with Cecil, who
presents the death warrant and insensitively
offers the services of a Protestant minister
to the Catholic Mary. Talbot tells her about
Elizabeth’s decree that Leicester will have
to watch her execution. Haunted by ghosts
of her past, she is assailed with memories
of violence and deaths from her turbulent
life. Talbot urges her to clear her conscience
and admit her crimes, and she unloads her
burden of guilt as she prepares to die.
Mary’s supporters wait to see her one last
time at the place of execution, bemoaning
the shame that the death of a queen will
bring down on England. Mary greets them,
presents Anna with a handkerchief to
blindfold her before her execution, and
invites the assembled crowd to join her in
prayer. When offered her last requests by
Cecil, Mary asks that Anna can join her on the
scaffold, and offers her forgiveness to the one
who insulted and condemned her. Leicester
arrives and Mary tries to calm him, but he
can do nothing to prevent her fate. Mary goes
to her death as her supporters continue to
proclaim her innocence.
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