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An Updated Henry V on the Lawn
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Nick O'Meally directs Henry V. -
The earliest rehearsals for Henry V were held in the snow in front of Smith Hall. -
A painting of Henry V.
Location: Campus Lawn
CHESTERTOWN, MD—This weekend, April 11 and 12, Nicholas O’Meally ’15 directs his Senior Drama Capstone, an outdoor production of Henry V by William Shakespeare set in modern times. Henry V tells the story of this famous Warrior King of England in his conquest of France. With the eyes of the world on the newly crowned King, he must fight to prove himself as friendships are lost, blood is shed, and nations are ripped apart.
The play was written more than 400 years ago, but director O’Meally says the issues it addresses are still relevant, which is why he gave it a contemporary setting. “Henry’s war in France is not unlike others we have seen in the recent past, and made me wonder if war has ever really changed at all. Why do we go to war? What must we sacrifice for victory? How many need to fall for one to rise in power? These are questions that I’ve wanted the audience to think about during Henry V.”
O’Meally says the play held important personal lessons for him, too. “I rediscovered Henry V during my sophomore year, and the more I read it, the more I began to change as a person. It taught me about being a leader and helped me overcome social insecurities and anxieties I had dealt with for years. Washington College really is a place where leaders are born, and I want to share the same lessons I learned from Henry V with everyone.”
Performances of Henry V will be held on the Campus Green (outside William Smith Hall) April 11 at 11:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and Sunday at 4:30 a.m. (A Friday, April 10 performance was cancelled by inclement weather.) Limited seating will be provided, but audience members are welcome to bring blankets or chairs.
The Drama Capstone gives seniors the opportunity and challenge of producing a full-scale theatrical production in six weeks. From casting to closing night, the productions are entirely student run, with faculty serving only in advisory roles as needed. The final Class of 2015 Drama Capstone will be Mackenzie Turnbull directing Venus in Fur, April 17 and 18, with shows at 7:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
For more information on Henry V or any of the spring Drama Capstone’s visit the Department of Drama page at www.washcoll.edu. To reserve free tickets call (410)-778-7835 or email drama_tickets@washcoll.edu.
