Review by Alexa Hafner Keelan
This 15th-century play, now presented in the 21st century, highlights the timeless struggles of war through Henry, who must navigate his new role as king. After receiving an insulting gift, he decides that war is the better option, thereby bringing more consequences of war upon himself. Throughout the story, there is a strong concern that Henry is an unfit leader, a theme that resonates with the political struggles we face today. Told through a modern lens, the performance is charged with sensory elements—boisterous noises, mud, shouting, and powerful acting—bringing every Shakespearean word into the present day with rough stomping and mental struggles, all condensed into a compelling two-hour experience.
Overthrowing misconceptions about oneself and truth is always at the forefront of Shakespeare, and Henry V is no exception. The plot can be interpreted in different directions, depending on how one views the style of leadership displayed. This leaves a level of ambiguity that enriches the character’s multifaceted nature, which was director Marion Potts' intention. The audience’s own worldview can shape their perception of Henry, which is why Shakespeare remains relevant in the modern day. Encapsulating the human struggles that either tear us apart or unite us is what makes this play so moving.
Instead of dismissing the contradictory nature of Henry, Marion Potts took it as an opportunity to uncover the full disparity of the human experience. What is seen on stage can be interpreted as either a passion for patriotism or a criticism of war—it all depends on the audience. The youthful cast brings the harsh reality of war, yet the emotional impact remains at the forefront. JK Kazzi made his Bell Shakespeare debut as Henry, giving a captivating performance that thoughtfully revealed different angles of Henry’s character. His portrayal was supported by other Shakespeare debuts, including Alex Kirwan (Westmoreland), Jack Halabi (Dauphin), Ava Madon (Katherine), and Harrison Mills (Michael Williams) who also gave a worthy performance.
Anna Tregloan’s choice of costumes presented a masculine combat-style aesthetic that was fitting and helped highlight Henry’s deep struggles with power within the masculine dynamic. Additionally, the set design was stark and devoid of colour, which made Katherine’s bright yellow dress particularly noticeable. This perhaps symbolizes Katherine as a light in a very gloomy tunnel in Henry’s life, despite her initial rejection of his proposals. The female presence of Katherine and Ella Prince (Exeter) displayed a power struggle within the masculine dynamic in their ability to find strength within the patriarchy. Women navigating this time to find a voice was an uphill battle, and the scenes where Katherine learns English—though slightly humorous—demonstrated her determination to fit into the male world. Madon’s performance effortlessly captured the humour and resilience of Katherine.
What was truly striking were the speeches, filled with emotion, which the actors delivered with poise and strong conviction. Alex Kirwan’s speeches were particularly captivating, as he really connected with the audience and set the tone for the play. Kazzi also set the tone with his emotive speech on the eve of battle, which helped convey Henry’s apprehension and vulnerability in his decision-making.
Whether or not there were heroes in this play—perhaps not—the deep struggles of human decision-making are at the forefront. Determining the correct decision, especially when young, can be a journey, and navigating the complexities of oneself in connection to the world around them is why Henry V remains so poignant to this day.
