OBSERVER: Breath of Kings

The scope and ambition of Breath of Kings is epic. Director Robert Johnson has assembled a cast of 20 to perform Shakespeare’s Henry VI parts one, two and three, with Richard III thrown in for good measure. Rarely done, the Henrys are some of the earliest of Shakespeare’s oeuvre detailing the Machiavellian machinations during the War of the Roses which culminated in Richard’s demise and the establishment of the Tudor dynasty. History drives the Henrys while tragedy lies at the core of Richard III providing for two different styles of theatre and enabling Johnson to package these plays into two separate halves that can be seen independently of the other.
Betrayal and deceit lie at the heart of the Henrys while moral corruption and personal avarice resonate in Richard III. As such, these works speak to current day politics with its sycophantic kowtowing and narcissistic authoritarians who will say anything for power. For all that, Shakespeare has given his villains a modicum of eloquence lacking in today’s politicians. The works remain as relevant now as they were when written.
The cast bring believability and a genuineness to their character portrayals conscious of the emotional truth and depth as echoed in the dialogue. There is an awareness of not just how to deliver the lines but the substance of the person behind them. For all that, Shakespeare allows for creativity and inventiveness in the portrayals which Johnson licenses in his cast. Played in the round, interaction with the audience is possible adding extra nuance and the potential for contemporary reference. Judicious use of light (Cale Dennis) and sound (Liam Sharpe) accentuates moments when needed.
This work is more than honest in its awareness of Shakespeare’s language and dramatic craft. All involved should be congratulated. Stratford found its way to Acland Street.
Theatre Works, St Kilda until November 8.
Review by David McLean