Henry, as well as what he sees in Matilda, who argues constantly with Belcredi. Henry enters once more and his behaviour is increasingly erratic. Once the visitors arrive Henry declares to his councillors that he is not truly mad, but has been aware of the nature of his existence for some time. However he has preferred to stay as he was than to live in the 20th century (the play is set around 1900). His behaviour and speech remain abnormal. Upon learning of this revelation the visitors confront Henry, who acts angrily to them, particularly Belcredi. At the end of the act he grabs Frida, who is dressed as in the portrait in preparation for the Doctor's plan to shock Henry out of his madness. In the ensuing altercation Henry stabs Belcredi. The visitors flee, and Henry resumes his regal persona as the curtain falls. Translations into English Edward Storer (E. P. Dutton & Co., 1922) Frederick May (Penguin, 1960) Julian Mitchell (1979) Robert Rietty and John Wardle (Calder, 1987) Mark Musa (Penguin, 1996) Tom Stoppard (Faber & Faber, 2004) Anthony Mortimer (Oxford, 2014) Adaptations The play was adapted into the film of the same name. References External links Westinghouse Studio One live television performance of December 1949 Italian plays adapted into films 1922 plays Plays by Luigi Pirandello Henry IV, Holy Roman Emperor