Bell Shakespeare opens 35th anniversary season with Bold Henry 5
Celebrating 35 years of trailblazing theatre, Bell Shakespeare kicks off its anniversary season in 2025 with a fresh, thought-provoking staging of Henry 5. The production promises to be a theatrical highlight, blending the timeless work of Shakespeare with a strikingly contemporary lens. Directed by the esteemed Marion Potts, this ambitious interpretation runs at the Sydney Opera House from 1 March – 5 April, Canberra Theatre Centre from 10 – 20 April, and wraps up at the Arts Centre Melbourne from 11 – 25 May. A Bold New Director Returns Returning to Bell Shakespeare after a 15-year hiatus, Marion Potts brings her seasoned vision and a female perspective to this classic history play. Known for her nuanced reinterpretations of works like Othello and Hamlet, Potts repositions Henry 5 to probe the murky complexities of war, bravery, and leadership. Set against the backdrop of Prince Hal’s transformation into King Henry V, the tale unfolds as England is thrust into war with France following a scathing insult by the French prince. The young king, hailed as a hero for his improbable victory at the Battle of Agincourt, is at the play’s centre. However, Potts promises a production that digs deeper, revealing the human cost of conflict and examining the pressures of masculinity and heroism. Speaking about the production, Potts said: “Henry 5 is so rich that it resonates differently for audiences across time. Our production firmly places the play in today’s world, unpacking ideas of conflict, fairness and compassion. With young men inheriting strong expectations around masculinity, I’m… Read More
