Summer Shakespeare 2009 presents the Victoria University of Wellington Season of Henry V

Expect battle scenes the scale of which are rarely seen on stage when Summer Shakespeare returns in 2009 with the Bard's most exciting play, Henry V.

The historic themes of war and nationalism will be given modern relevance as director David Lawrence sets the play very close to home: right here, right now.Summer Shakespeare 2009 presents the Victoria University of Wellington Season of Henry V

Expect battle scenes the scale of which are rarely seen on stage when Summer Shakespeare returns in 2009 with the Bard's most exciting play, Henry V.

The historic themes of war and nationalism will be given modern relevance as director David Lawrence sets the play very close to home: right here, right now.Henry V tells the story of a newly crowned king waging war on an 'enemy' to promote nationalism in his country.

Lawrence says the play will strike a familiar chord with today's audience. "In our times of soaring oil prices and crunching credit, this play is a timely reminder that history does indeed repeat."

Summer Shakespeare itself has a long history in Wellington. In this, its 26th year, it returns to the heart of Victoria University - the Studio 77 Amphitheatre. Lawrence says the venue will provide audiences the perfect 'cockpit' from which to view the battle scenes that make this play thrilling.

"The production will transform the Amphitheatre and its surrounds into a battleground for over 30 actors, making this the biggest Shakespeare production to be seen in Wellington," he says.

"Battle scenes of this scale are a thrilling prospect for both audiences and actors alike, and with internationally acclaimed fight choreographer Allan Henry (Footballistic, A Renaissance Man) at the helm, these battles promise to be not only epic but also spectacular," says Lawrence.

David Lawrence is one of New Zealand's most well-known directors of Shakespeare, with 12 productions under his belt (most recently King Lear which received critical acclaim in Wellington and Dunedin).

Lawrence's long-time collaborator, Alex Greig (Revenge of the Amazons, A Renaissance Man), plays the title role of Henry, King of England. Allan Henry also stars in the play as the Constable, the leader of the French army. "The fight between these talented physical performers promises to be one of the highlights of the show," says Lawrence.

These hardened soldiers are joined by newcomer Alison Walls (recently returned from studying theatre in New York) who takes the dual role of the Chorus and the French Princess Catherine, giving a female slant on a very male story.

The 2009 Victoria University of Wellington Season of Henry V launches the year-long Compleate Workes Festival, a nation-wide event during which all of Shakespeare's plays will be performed.

This historic production is not to be missed!

Season: 13-28 February '09 - Amphitheatre, 77 Fairlie Tce, Wellington
Bookings at Downstage (04) 8016946 www.downstage.co.nz/book

For more information, please contact Jacqueline Coats (Producer), email summershakespearewellington@gmail.com

09/02/09