Shakespeare in the Parks - Henry V

The beginning of a new season is always a fun and exciting time around here. Our team and crew have been working hard to put together performances that not only honor Shakespeare’s immortal stories, but also bring about new relevance and understanding in today’s world. We can’t wait to see these stories come alive on stage!

Henry V, one of Shakespeare’s historical plays, explores leadership, honor, and the impact of decisions made in times of great uncertainty. A young man thrust into leadership of a nation torn apart by national destruction and discord, Henry grapples with the conflict between political expediency and his own moral compass, elevating themes of honor, justice and mercy.

"One of the play’s most famous quotes is 'We happy few, we band of brothers.' The play’s focus on patriotism and togetherness are themes that I am really excited to present to our communities to give this reminder of the importance of ensemble, brotherhood, and togetherness. The themes of loyalty, patriotism, and service are rooted in the Montana way of life.

It’s also important to highlight Henry as an individual. You're talking about a young man who has newly become the leader of a nation torn apart by internal civil wars. He inherits national destruction and discord that’s existed for a long time and must come in to take the helm in the face of all of this.

Henry constantly struggles with balancing what he learns is politically and diplomatically correct versus what he feels spiritually and morally. We experience his journey through his decision-making and how he as a leader grapples with what’s right and wrong and how that connects to justice and mercy. I feel that Shakespeare really works to elevate that for audiences to hear and it's that human component within this play that I want to bring out the most." - Kevin Asselin, Director of Henry V