Bell Shakespeare’s ‘Henry V’ opens tonight at the State Theatre. This adaptation of Shakespeare’s historical play will see the tale of war told through a school class room in the midst of the Second World War.
OUTinPerth chatted to cast members Matthew Backer and Ildiko Susany about the production. Susany said she believes the play has remained relevant because of the timelessness of the subject matter; conflict remains an issue.
“Part of the director Damien Ryan’s research into this concept was looking at one: World War Two is still something that we feel a connection to, it’s not so distant that we kind of almost can’t comprehend it personally, but also he was looking at children in conflict and in war zones and in countries like Africa where young children are almost forced or brainwashed into soldiers and they can be sometimes, in a weird way some of the best soldiers because they almost switch off to the reality and create an imaginary world. ” she said.
Backer said the production has been well received by audiences of all ages.
“Now that we’ve been running for a few weeks its exciting to hear people who may not know Shakespeare very well or feel like its a bit difficult to walk out feeling like they’ve understood it and part of the joy of the production is we as schoolchildren are schooling an audience as well and inviting them. Sometimes Shakespeare can be a bit foreign or hard for people but I feel like this invites an audience in and they’re with us from the first opening tableu.” said Backer.
“It’s a great cast and I think what Damien has done with it, putting it in a World War Two setting with a bunch of young people I think has really brought a whole different type of life to it that you often don’t see in Shakespeare’s productions and we’re also onstage for two and a half hours so it’s tiring and thrilling and fun to do.” he said.
“For a history play we’ve found quite a lot of humour, which is I think surprising people. I think people look at a history play by the cover and go ‘Oh, it’s probably going to be a bit dull but we’ve actually discovered so much humanity and silliness, which is good fun.”
‘Henry V’ runs from the 23rd to the 26th of July at the State Theatre Centre of WA. Tickets available from Ticketek.
To read our interview with lead actor Michael Sheasby, click here.
Sophie Joske
