Henry IV Part I

Henry IV Part I
By William Shakespeare. Directed by James Christensen. Melbourne University Shakespeare Company. Guild Theatre: 1st Floor, Union House, University of Melbourne. 28 April – 7 May, 2016.

This production contributes to the calendar of events organised by the University of Melbourne to mark the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, which celebrates his literary and theatrical legacy. Christensen has devised an unusual modern adaptation with Queen Henry IV (Adelaide Greig) reigning on the throne and looking to her daughter Princess Hal (Kate Weston) to step up to the role of fortifying their position.

Interestingly, the changed gender dynamics in this production does not alter the political subterfuge that is at the heart of this play. The brokering of power and the volatile nature of political alliances is no less ruthless or bloodthirsty.  However, questions around hyperbolic masculinity and the ability to rule with an iron fist have a completely different perspective. The presence of women in central roles brings the psychological relationship between power, violence and valour to the forefront.

The casting is effective and produces some solid and admirable performances, as well as some highlights; Nathaniel Pemberton as Harry ‘Hotspur’ Percy fully embraces the role and Hotspur’s fiery but rather ingenuous disposition is beautifully elicited. The modern context also provides the opportunity to stage the battle scenes in a contemporary setting, highlighting the climatic importance of the unpredictable outcome of such war games.  The simple but clever orchestration of this action adds to the edge of nail-biting intrigue the play provides.

Patricia Di Risio

Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.