There is much ado about plenty in Bell Shakespeare's latest production, 'Henry 5'.
Director Marion Potts breathes new life into this ancient work of many parts and, as it is told in this production, in a very contemporary setting, every word rings as true now as it did when it was written.
Written by Shakespeare around 1599, 'Henry 5' tells the tale of the Battle of Agincourt and the Hundred Years War, which began in 1415 when newly-minted young King Henry bursts onto the scene, a bit mad with power, ego and exuberance, believing that he should also be King of France.
The set and costume design for this show by Anna Tregloan is sparse, stunning and ingenious. From the explosive early delivery of tennis balls as insult to the then new king, to a series of constantly repositioning clear boxes that the actors crawl through and fight atop during the battle scenes, it all works. Then there is the mysterious magical mud that is poured on the stage, evoking the filth and tragedy of war, which in the end also eventually signifies the Holy Cross. It is minimal and superb. The costumes are for utility and aren’t fussy, allowing the actors to do their physical work and so as not to distract from Shakespeare’s words and their intent.
King Henry, as played by the very impressive JK Kazzi, presents as a passionate, virile and vivid hero and villain for the ages. Love him or hate him, it’s easy to see his populist appeal as a leader. And his ruthless ambition. The strength of this story is relevant and palpable, particularly during these times of geopolitical upheaval and global conflict. It is thought-provoking, beautifully staged and acted.
Although in Shakespeare’s time royal marriages were almost always arranged and dynasties were often built upon those agreements, it’s now pretty uncomfortable to watch a woman being treated as a possession for barter. Regardless, and possibly as a nod to women trying to buck the patriarchy even way back then, one of the best scenes that Shakespeare wrote for this piece is of Katherine’s (Ava Madon) attempt to learn to speak English through her French Lady in Waiting Alice, who is played by Odile Le Clezio. Odile is an absolute wonder in this scene and Ava is endearing, funny and tender in her attempts to try and learn her future husband’s language, even though she’s clearly just not into him.
Ella Prince as Exeter is a flawless accomplice to Henry’s exploits and excels in their role as ally, trusted friend and public relations expert for King Henry. There are simply not enough superlatives to rate their top-notch performance. And Jo Turner is an utter miracle to watch in his multiple roles as King Of France, Archbishop Of Canterbury and a French Soldier. He is the very embodiment of a Shakespearean actor.
This telling is a condensed version of the original piece, edited meticulously. It could be said that this is a story without a true hero, were it not for Shakespeare’s writing.
So I urge you all to go "once more unto the breach!” and see this wonder work.
★★★★★
Words: Karen Conrad
