Venue: Sydney Opera House (Sydney NSW), Mar 1 – Apr 5, 2025 | Merrigong Theatre Company (Illawarra Performing Arts Centre) Apr 30 –May 3, 2025
Playwright: William Shakespeare
Director: Marion Potts
Cast: Jack Halabi, JK Kazzi, Alex Kirwan, Odile le Clézio, Ava Madon, Harrison Mills, Ella Prince, Jo Turner, Mararo Wangai, Rishab Kern
Images by Brett Boardman
Theatre review
It could be argued that Shakespeare had intended for the play Henry V to remain ambiguous, in its attribution of heroism to the titular role. Thousands die as a result of Henry’s war, yet there is no significant disparagement of the king’s character. We may like to think that changes have occurred over these four centuries, and our attitudes about war are no longer what they used to be, but in this very moment of political reversion, it appears that efforts to normalise aggression between nations, are back again.
Director Marion Potts however takes a decidedly anti-conflict stance, in a staging that makes no bones about the brutality that inevitably ensues, when soldiers are required to do their leaders’ bidding. There is no glorification of the battlefield, even if the king does retain his air of majesty. Movement and fight direction by Nigel Poulton is a memorable feature, as we watch the troops’ kineticism being expressed with an enjoyable poetic quality.
Lead actor JK Kazzi demonstrates strong focus and commitment, if slightly deficient in charisma. It is overall a cohesive cast, effective at manufacturing dramatic tension for key moments. Set and costume design by Anna Tregloan are contemporarised with a pleasing sleekness, and are appropriately masculine in style. Lights by Verity Hampson depict a severity necessary for this exploration of violence, but could benefit from a greater embrace of the story’s heightened sentimentality. Sounds by Jethro Woodward are wonderfully theatrical, and impressive for the rigour that allows us to detect every shift in time and space.
In the west these recent years, wartime had begun to seem a distant past. Today there is a shift afoot, and peace is again under threat, as powerful leaders disrupt old alliances, in favour of new arrangements that undermine democracy. It is a shameless power grab, the nature of which is so alien to current generations, that we feel ill-equipped to fight against. So much is lost by the end of Henry V, but they still call it a victory.
Suzy Goes See 