Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Marion Potts
Bell Shakespeare
The Playhouse, Canberra Theatre Centre to 20 April
Reviewed by Len Power 11 April 2025
Henry 5 may be Shakespeare’s well-known play with the rousing call to battle, ”Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more”, but the grim reality of war is unflinchingly depicted in this production with its messy brutality and death. In its contemporary setting with laptops, microphones and surtitles digitally identifying characters by name and serial number, the dehumanization of war is clear. The use of today’s communication equipment is a reminder that current world conflicts and their biased reporting are probably shaping our own attitudes. Our minds become the weapons of the future.
The drama before and after Henry 5’s victorious Battle of Agincourt in 1415 plays out on a bare stage in which darkness looms over the characters. Everything is geared for war – the metallic uniformity of the set pieces and the costuming that hints at uniforms. There’s even a punching bag hanging aggressively on the set that becomes a symbol of dead soldiers being dragged over the battlefield.
Marion Potts’ production strips the play down to its essential story. Many characters and subplots are omitted as the narrative drives forward compellingly in one act. The battles are cleverly choreographed with movement (Nigel Poulton), lighting (Verity Hampson) and sound (Jethro Woodward) and the atmospheric set design (Anna Tregloan) includes the inspired use of real and very messy mud to depict the bloodiness of battle.
JK Kazzi is a fine, physical King Henry. There are echoes of his dissolute youth in his characterization but there is a steely resolve that drives him towards battle. His famous speeches “Once more unto the breach” and “We few, we happy few, we band of brothers” are delivered with a notable intensity and sensitivity. There are fine, colourful and truthful performances from all members of this ensemble cast.
This is a memorable production from Bell Shakespeare. It’s atmospheric and disturbing and its message for today’s world is worryingly relevant.
Len
Power's reviews are also broadcast on Artsound FM 92.7 in the ‘Arts Cafe’ and
‘Arts About’ programs and published in his blog 'Just Power Writing' at https://justpowerwriting.blogspot.com/.
