Henry IV, Part 1 (1990, Michael Bogdanov) part 11 of 17

Act III, scene ii (back at the Palace in London)

Shakespeare's "King Henry IV, Part 1" performed by the The English Shakespeare Company


King Henry IV - Michael Cronin
Henry Prince of Wales - Michael Pennington
Sir Walter Blunt - Mihcael Fenner

Director Michael Bogdanov

D.A. Traversi writes (from his "Henry IV, part I: History and the Artist's Vision")

[Shakespeare's] true originality begins to appear when the political is over-shawdowed by the personal interest. Henry IV is punished for his past sins not only as King in the weariness which increasingly overtakes him and in the growing sense of impotence which sometimes raises him to moments of tragic intesnsity, but as father in the most intimate concerns of his life. It is here that Shakespeare, stll using inherited and familiar material, show the true originality of his conception...

Henry's first speech to his son (III, ii) is most revealing in its remarkable blend of true personal pathos and political calculation. The former shades indeed almost insensibly into the latter. That the father is genuinely wounded by his son's behavior, that he is moved with "tenderness", that he "hath desired to see" him more often, is certain; but as we read the long speech we cannot help suspecting that the speaker's only true moral criterion is political success. To say this is to put one's finger upon the movtive that impels the House of Lancaster all through these plays...

Category:

Education

Tags:

• Shakespeare
• King-Henry-IV
• 1H4
• Michael-Pennington
• Michael-Cronin
• play
• theatre

[ashleythomasmoore]

I just think this is poor casting. The actor playing Henry IV is too young for the role and Hal is FAR too old (Henry V died when he was in his early 30's). They actually look more like brothers than father and son.

It's a shame that even those roles which are written for young people are given to men or women who haven't been in their youth for the better part of a decade.

[Stormyie]

HOLY COW, the actor playing Henry IV mixed a couple lines up!

[thydamnedandruined]

I am currently playing the role of Hal and this is a great influence. Thank you.

[Cassius614]

Haha totally! Very much a hug fail, so sad.

[rigstula]

It is really interesting how Shakespeare evolves the character of Harry over the course of several plays. Seen as a whole, the 'Henry IV' plays and 'Henry V' are about a foolish and irresponsible youth who ends up becoming an inspiring and skillful leader.

I find this to be some of the best character development in the entire Shakespeare canon. Also, I would imagine Hal to be a very exciting role for an actor to undertake.

[BuzzBuzzize]

I love the way they go in for a hug, and then have to break off, By the end the moment has gone, and he doesn't get what he so desperately wanted! AW!