Actors' Renaissance 2020
Uneasy lies the head…
While young Prince Hal follows the path toward kingship under the eye of his father, the aging Falstaff drinks and starts trouble. Fierce and funny: a tale too full of adventure to be told in just one play.
BOLD BINGE WEEKENDS
See Part 1 and Part 2 on the same day!
March 21 | April 4 | April 11 | April 18!
TICKETS FOR PART 1 SOLD SEPARATELY.
Constance Swain in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Zoe Speas and John Harrell in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Brandon Carter and John Harrell in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Jessika Williams, Constance Swain, and Benjamin Reed in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
The cast of HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
David Anthony Lewis in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Benjamin Reed, John Harrell, and Danielle A. Festa in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Ronald Román-Meléndez in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Brandon Carter and David Anthony Lewis in HENRY IV, PART 2, 2020. Photo by Lindsey Walters.
Artistic Team
Adrienne was the ASC’s Interim Production Manager.
Cast
Brandon Carter was the Artistic Director of the American Shakespeare Center from January 2022-March 2024.
David Anthony Lewis is an accomplished Actor with over 70 professional theatre credits A Christmas Carol 2024 is his 36th production with ASC.
PREVIOUSLY WITH ASC: 27 seasons and over 200 roles including Falstaff in Henry IV, Parts 1 & 2; Brutus in Julius Caesar; Iago in Othello; Guildenstern in Rosencrantz and Guildenstern …
K.P. Powell is an actor and director with the American Shakespeare Center, known for his dynamic performances and bold storytelling on stage and off.
Chris Johnston has over 20 years of theatre experience and more than 120 productions at the American Shakespeare Center.
THIS SEASON: Lady Capulet in Romeo and Juliet and Balthazar, Courtesan, Jailer, Messenger in The Comedy of Errors; Dance Captain.
Ronald Román-Meléndez is an accomplished actor with over 30 previous roles at the American Shakespeare Center.
THIS SEASON: Hero in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, Hamlet in HAMLET, First Citizen in CORIOLANUS
THIS SEASON:
Constance Swain is an innovative director whose bold vision and creative energy inspire captivating storytelling at ASC and beyond.
THIS SEASON: Margaret, George Seacoal in Much Ado about Nothing; Mistress Quickly, Travers, Bullcalf, Davy in Henry IV, Part 2; Spaconia in A King…
Benjamin has been a resident company member with the American Shakespeare Center since 2014.
THIS SEASON: Valentine, Officer, Swing in Twelfth Night; Swing in Othello
THIS SEASON: Ursula in Much Ado about Nothing; Understudy in Henry IV, Part 2; Understudy in Henry IV, Part 1; Messenger, Woman, Understudy in A King
Sam Saint Ours is a talented actor and music director known for his dynamic performances and musical contributions at the American Shakespeare Center.
Before the Play
- William Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1, part of ASC’s 2019 Actors’ Renaissance and revived this season.
During the Play
- Following the Battle of Shrewsbury, rumors fly about the battle’s outcome and the fates of those who fought.
- The earl of Northumberland learns of his son Hotspur’s death and is determined to join his brother, the earl of Worcester (still unaware that he is also dead) and the other rebels in battle.
- Sir John Falstaff continues to frequent taverns, engage in petty crime, and owe people money.
- Feeling the loss of Worcester and hoping for Northumberland’s support, the Archbishop of York and the rebel leaders regroup in Yorkshire to prepare for further battle.
- Prince Hal and his friend Poins continue to make trouble and poke fun at Falstaff.
- Mistress Quickly is joined by Doll Tearsheet at her still-bawdy establishment in Eastcheap.
- In the midst of debauchery, Doll and Falstaff express affection for one another.
- Northumberland’s wife and daughter-in-law convince him not to go off to fight with the other rebels. Instead he goes to Scotland.
- King Henry IV is losing sleep over the state of the country and his wayward son. He dreams of making a long overdue pilgrimage to the Holy Land.
- Falstaff conscripts thieves and lowlifes into his loyalist army.
- Falstaff and his old school chum, Justice Shallow, reminisce about their raucous pasts.
- King Henry IV’s illness worsens.
- Prince John and Westmoreland parley with the rebels at Gaultree Forest in Yorkshire.
- Falstaff speaks eloquently about sack.
- Succession, banishment, and the chimes at midnight ensue.
Wondering what exactly the Actors’ Renaissance is? Want to learn more about our deepest dive into Shakespeare’s performance conditions? Check out our blog post: