ARTS

Henry IV Part I opens May 6

By Pamela Dyer-Smith
Theatre Arts        

Photo by Randy Vaughn-Dotta
Mike Oldham, left, as Hotspur and
Adam McGee as Prince Hal star in
Henry IV Part I.

Henry IV Part I is one of Shakespeare’s finest plays. It is packed with vivid characters, funny pranks, stirring speeches and memorable fights. There is even a dash of romance. Few of Shakespeare’s histories have been produced locally, so audiences will have an opportunity to share an unusual treat. Directed by Terry Miller, the Theatre Arts Department performances are May 6 to 14. 

Henry Bolingbroke, later King Henry IV, took the English crown by force. As a younger man, he was banished by the previous king, Richard II, who also stripped him of his inheritance. Returning to England to fight for his rights, Bolingbroke was helped by powerful nobles including the Earls of Worcester and Northumberland, and by Northumberland’s son, Hotspur. Successful beyond his hopes, Bolingbroke went on to claim not only his inheritance, but the throne. He put Richard II into prison where, conveniently enough, the former king was murdered.

As Henry IV, Part I begins, Worcester, Northumberland and Hotspur feel betrayed by the man they helped lift to the throne. Hotspur, a fierce warrior, has defeated the Scots at the battle of Holmedon and now refuses to turn over his hostages to the King. War was very costly in medieval times, as it is today, and kings were hard pressed to fund their military ventures. Collecting ransom for captured enemies was an important source of revenue; thus Hotspur’s decision arouses the anger of the King.  But Hotspur, Worcester and Northumberland are not content to frustrate Henry IV. With the help of the Scots and the Welsh, they intend to bring him down.

The King’s best ally in the coming fight should be Prince Hal, his son and heir.  But Hal prefers to waste his time with a group of bawdy, drunken pranksters, led by Sir John Falstaff, one of the funniest and best-beloved of all Shakespeare’s characters. When war comes, can Hal put aside the follies of his youth and prove himself as a prince and as a son?

The Fresno State cast features Jay Felix as Henry IV, Adam McGee as Prince Hal, Michael Oldham as Hotspur and Brandon Weis (returning as a guest artist) as Falstaff. All four play challenging roles, which include a good deal of sword fighting. Professional fight director Gregory Hoffman will create the fights for the climactic scenes of Henry IV Part I.

Fresno State students are also doing vital work backstage.  Thanks to professors Benjamin Boone and Michael Caldwell, the Music Department is taking on an important role: Graduate students are composing most of the music for the show, and student trumpet players will perform the fanfares that announce the king and summon the soldiers to battle.  This music promises to heighten the excitement of the play.

There will be more student contributions in the costume area. Bethany Rader is assisting faculty costume designer Caroline Mercier. Michael Oldham is designing armor for the show; Hanna Jenkins is responsible for the women’s costumes; Stephanie French is creating hair styles and makeup.

All these students and faculty, along with the staff and a cast of 29, will bring this ambitious production to the John Wright Theatre stage.

Performance dates are May 6-7  and May 10-14 at 8 p.m. and May 8 at 2 p.m.  All performances are in the John Wright Theatre in the Speech Arts Building.  Tickets are $7 for Fresno State students; $12 for Fresno State faculty/staff, seniors, members of the Alumni Association and students at other schools; and $14 general admission. For more information, call the Theatre Box Office at 8-2216. Tickets may be purchased online at http://www.csufresno.edu/Theatre.