Putting a fresh, accessible and relevant spin on William Shakespeare's 'Henry V', Bell Shakespeare captures more emotion than most modern productions.
Inspired by a true story, Damien Ryan's version of 'Henry V' steps back in time to 1941 when a group of boys were trapped in a bunker for 57 consecutive nights during the London Blitz. Struck by bombs overhead during World War II, the boys would rehearse a new play each week, performing it for others in the shelter. Capturing the story and bringing it to life, Damien's vision is performed upon a simple stage with few props, leaving the performers talent to shine.
The brilliant and innovative story takes Shakespeare back into the classroom where the teacher (played by Keith Agius) distributes copies of 'Henry V' for the students to read from and practice performing. The play within a play explores the rite of passage during the era where violence and conflict offer a threshold to manhood. Confronting true courage and brotherhood as an inspiring remarkable achievement amidst all the horrors of war.
The talented young cast of 'Henry V' tell the gripping story of a king who unites his band of brothers and a nation by using his persuasive and expressive words and ideas of triumph and humanity. By cleverly knitting two narratives and contexts together, Damien interweaves the 20th and 16th centuries and lightens the load by infusing it with humanity and adding humour in various places.Wanting to look through the eyes of young people, Damien says he's always been struck by the true story. "It is the civilians who suffer so profoundly in modern warfare. So to watch a group of young people get themselves through this dark night of the soul by opening this play by Shakespeare where a chorus says we can create stories out of absolutely nothing, it's the premise I'm using."
Leaving you feeling uplifted and exhilarated after the battle has been won, you will leave the show believing that anything impossible is very much possible. After having already toured half the country, 'Henry V' will be playing the east coast until November.
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Henry V Tour Dates
12th-13 Sept – Orange Civic Theatre (Orange)16 Sept – Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre (Bathurst)
19th-20th Sept – NORPA (Lismore)
23rd Sept – The Events Centre (Caloundra)
25th Sept – Redlands Performing Arts Centre (Cleveland)
27th Sept – Gladstone Entertainment Centre (Gladstone)
1st Oct – Mackay Entertainment And Convention Centre (Mackay)
4th Oct – Townsville Civic Theatre (Townsville)
7th Oct – Pilbeam Theatre (Rockhampton)
10th-11th Oct – Laycock Street Theatre (Gosford)
14th Oct – The Glasshouse (Port Macquarie)
16th-18th Oct – Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre (Penrith)
21st Oct-15th Nov – Sydney Opera House (Sydney)
