There are still a handful of chances to catch HVSF’s inventive and exciting production of HENRY V. This Shakespearean epic follows the young, cocksure, newly crowned King Henry as he attempts to conquer the French throne. Here some reasons, beyond what you might already expect, HENRY V is a must-see part of the 2023 HVSF season.
You’ll Feel Like You’re Part of the Action
“IMAX’s got nothing on HVSF.” — Nippertown
One of the great delights of seeing a play at HVSF is the way the company uses the space and pulls the audience into the performance. The action is happening all around you, and some audience members will become part of the performance (just a tiny bit). With the sand on the floor of the tent and the terrain that surrounds the tent, all of which the cast make use of, it becomes easy to imagine yourself as part of Henry’s army, out in the fields of France.
King Henry Herself
“Ota, in her turn as Henry, brings fire to the performance.” — Chronogram
Swagger, grace, and gravitas are just some of the things Emily Ota brings to her gender-bent performance as the titular Henry. Ota beautifully conveys Henry’s boldness and determination. He is an unstoppable force, and with Emily in the role, we can see how Henry spurred his forces to an unlikely victory.
It Will Put a Smile on Your Face
“I didn’t expect to laugh so much, and I was extremely grateful for the humor and talent of the actors.” — Audience Feedback
You might not be expecting comedy in a play about war, but this tremendously talented cast brings it! No spoilers but look out for a scene in which two characters play tennis, trading words as easily as they volley the ball back and forth. There is also a tremendous amount of humor to be found in the inventive use of props and costuming. This is a production that truly engages the imagination, making for a captivating night of theater.