The Tragedy of King Richard II

I was heading off to the Tyrone Guthrie Theatre in Minneapolis to see a production of Henry IV. I knew that it would be helpful to review the play previous to it, Richard II. While I've read all of Shakespeare's play at some time, I had not read this one in decades. So, instead of reading it, I went to YouTube and found the Ian McKellen, 1970 version. I was so impressed with Sir Ian and the overall cast as well as the nicely produced settings. I did need a little history and a short synopsis, but I soon settled into the play and it made the performance I saw later much more meaningful. We get a look at a man who should never have been king, allying himself with the wrong people, and allowing his temper to rule him. In five minutes he throws away everything due to pique. I may search a few other of Shakespeare's often overlooked plays.