Marlies' Artbeat -- Royal Shakespeare Co's HD Henry IV-1 "Alive" in Westchester

Henry IV Part-1 comes to our local movie theaters, almost like a gift, straight from an actual performance on the renowned stage at Shakespeare's own Stratford-upon-Avon. It comes with its heralded cast, in glorious sound and sparklingly-clear HD transmission.

All is accompanied with pre-curtain explanations and interviews that indeed set the stage for easy understanding of the complicated "history of succession" that is so important a basis of the Shakespeare histories. And then there are some striking photos of the famed thatch-roofed cottages of historic Stratford. And it all was ours for the affordable price of $16!

The play, originally a great favorite which Shakespeare supposedly finished in 1596, is not performed as frequently as some of his other histories. This is somewhat surprising, since besides acquainting us with the guilt-ridden Henry (1367-1413) because of the way he captured his crown, and the conversion of  Prince Hal, from playboy to serious-future-Henry V-material, it features one of the world's great theatrical characters -- the rotund Sir John Fallstaff  -- and his entertaining bawdy companions.

The many-sided Fallstaff here is well portrayed by Sir Antony Sher who evidently has a famous history with this venue himself. The charming and sexy Alex Hassell made a very engaging Prince Hal, and Jasper Britton gave a persuasive characterization of the beleaguered King, who is so disappointed in his hedonistic son, that he even wishes he were more like the war-like enemy Hotspur.

And it is here that I take exception with the depiction by Trevor White of that role. Undoubtedly the vision of the director Gregory Doran, it is far from the interpretations Sir Laurence Olivier chose, and Sean Connery gave, for instance.
Mr. White plays it as an over-the-top manic, uncontrolled boob. Rob Hotspur of his dignity and the weight of the entire play changes.

This production, however, does offer a well-thought-through psychological approach, which makes the play a thorough enjoyment with its wonderful balance of warring action and comedic tableaux.

The particular performance I saw was repeatedly  shown at the at the All Westchester Saw Mill in Hawthorne.

All movie theaters that show these plays have as yet not announced when they will offer the production of Henry IV Part-2. It undoubtedly will be well worth attending!