In a world marked by global instability and fractured alliances, the Royal Shakespeare Company’s (RSC) upcoming production of Henry V promises to be a timely and thought-provoking exploration of this Shakespearean classic. Directed by Tamara Harvey, the play will feature a diverse cast of 11 men and 8 women, with Alfred Enoch taking on the role of the titular king.
Henry V has long been regarded as a barometer of the times, with past productions often reflecting the political climate of the moment. As the threat of war looms large on the global stage, this new RSC retelling arrives at a critical juncture, inviting audiences to consider the play’s enduring relevance.
The ambiguous nature of Henry V has been a subject of much discussion and debate among scholars and theatre-goers alike. From Laurence Olivier’s 1944 film, which was dedicated “To the Commandos of England” and seen as a contribution to the war effort, to Kenneth Branagh’s 1989 version, which was haunted by the specter of Vietnam, the play has consistently shifted its meaning to reflect the zeitgeist.
Similarly, past productions have sought to de-glamorise the notion of war and sharpen the play’s modern resonance. In Michael Boyd’s 2007 staging, for instance, the Henry portrayed by Geoffrey Streatfeild was a figure of “puzzling contradiction” – a pensive solitary forced to become a military leader, capable of both ruthless violence and unexpected tenderness.
As the world grapples with the realities of conflict, Burgundy’s climactic speech about the devastating impact of war has acquired a renewed poignancy. “The survivors ‘grow like savages – a soldier’s will / That nothing do but meditate on blood'” – a sentiment that echoes the current global landscape, where acts of individual and collective courage are juxtaposed with the horrors of war.
Against this backdrop, the new RSC production of Henry V promises to be a captivating exploration of the play’s ambiguities and its ability to reflect the zeitgeist. With Tamara Harvey at the helm and a diverse ensemble, this revival may well serve as a barometer of our times, offering audiences a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s timeless exploration of power, governance, and the human cost of war.
