Theater directors have fun staging Shakespeare's "Henry V" in highly conceptual settings. Recent productions have placed the story in eras that have included World War II and the future.
It has been an especially popular play to produce in recent years. "Henry V" tells of a callow ruler who assumes power in a way viewed by his foes as illegitimate. The ruler takes up a distant battle left unfinished by his father, in part to "giddy busy minds with foreign quarrels" and take minds off nagging problems on the home front. Also, the Bard makes the French the butt of quite a few jibes.
Elden Street Players' production of Shakespeare's tale of heroism, "Henry V," includes among its cast members Mike Sherman, from left, Sally Cusenza, David Gorsline, Bruce Ward and Todd Huse.
(Richard Downer)
|
|
David Sher, director of the "Henry V" performed by the Elden Street Players, now in mid-run in Herndon, has found a way back to the play's original concept, in which the nature of heroism instead of imperial folly is explored, and soldiers follow their king "once more into the breach" against overwhelming odds. The result is a workmanlike and competent production in its original, 15th-century setting. It is notable for fine individual performances, although it lacks any special sizzle or new insights into the monarch.
The story of "Henry V" concludes the saga of Prince Hal as outlined in parts one and two of "Henry IV." After a boisterous and drunken youth, the English prince ascends to the throne and begins to meet life head-on and in a more serious manner. The first item on his agenda is taking England to war against France. Along the way, Henry reaches deep within himself to find the qualities of leadership that compel soldiers to follow him into horrific battle, exhorting them with one of Shakespeare's most famous speeches, ("We few, we happy few, we band of brothers; for he today that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother . . . ") and developing the ability to rule through the strength of conviction and force of personality. Then he dashes off to deal with challenges to his leadership from within and without, while simultaneously winning the hand of lovely Katherine, the daughter of the defeated king of France, and claiming that throne, as well.
Actor Evan Hoffman is a cerebral, introspective Henry, eschewing the usual swagger and pulsing, regal sense of power that makes it easy to understand why men follow him into fire. Shakespeare seems to suggest that Henry's evolution from amiable but shiftless youth to mature leadership is the work of God, a view buttressed by Hoffman's cool approach and easy rapport with subordinates. "It's our fate, we're bound together in destiny, so let's get on with it," seems to be his message to his outnumbered men.
This is a difficult play to do. It must portray the vast scope of battle while it explores the heart and soul of a king. It is especially challenging in the cramped and shallow performance space of Herndon's Industrial Strength Theatre. Director Sher opts for a unit set -- a simple and stylized medieval castle background -- and he keeps the focus on the interpersonal relationships instead of the international forces at play. The battle scenes are intense but scaled down, although the swords flashing in Al Myska's elegant, swashbuckling combat choreography come uncomfortably close to the eyes of some front-row patrons at times.
The 15-member ensemble adroitly performs 29 roles, moving briskly through the story. Although all the characterizations are finely drawn, two stand out. Veteran actor Jack Seeley is a wily Archbishop of Canterbury, wielding considerable influence over the new monarch in several scenes. Maura Stadem displays substantial range as the French princess, creating ethereal mystique while also exploiting deft comic timing as Katherine struggles with the English language.
Focused on performance, not spectacle, this is Shakespeare 101, done well.
"Henry V" continues through Feb. 12 at the Industrial Strength Theatre, 269 Sunset Park Drive, Herndon. Performances at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For tickets or information, call 703-481-5930. For information, go to www.eldenstreetplayers.org.
