The folks at Shakespeare for the Masses often perform King John before important elections. Even though it depicts a monarchy from a long time ago, the play has many parallels to a the drama of modern day elections. The drive for power, the gray area of who should really be crowned, plus the backstabbing (literal and metaphorical of course), theft, mayhem most foul — it’s just another day on the stump for most politicians today.

This year, however, the troupe readies the production to be performed on Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 at the Vineyard Playhouse on the eve of a new President’s inauguration. But the timing is still apt, the actors and producers say, claiming that King John is essentially Donald Trump. Think scepter and sword to eviscerate opponents rather than Twitter handle.

The performances are at 7 p.m. on Saturday and 1 p.m. on Sunday at the playhouse, 24 Church street in Vineyard Haven. And as always the performances are free for these abridged romps (coming in under an hour) through the Shakespeare canon.

Actors include Chelsea McCarthy, Chris Roberts, Brooke Hardman Ditchfield, Rob Myers, Jill Macy, Xavier Powers, Nicole Galland, newcomer Harold Lawry as Prince Arthur, and two off-Island guests: Abby Dickson and Steve Vaughan.