HENRY IV Selfie from Megan W.

Seeing this production in Stratford-Upon-Avon made the experience all the more special because it is where Shakespeare was born and died. It is also where he lived throughout the earlier years of his life. The historical significance behind the location of this performance made it an ideal place to see one of Shakespeare’s most famous works. The set presented in the live performance of Shakespeare’s, Henry IV Part 1, at the Royal Shakespeare Theatre made the play a success.

Variations in the set allowed the audience to envision where different aspects of the play took place. The audience is able to get a better understanding about characters in the play by where they are placed within the set. For example, at the beginning of the play, Hal is shown coming out of a bed with two girls with Sir John Falstaff (Antony Sher) in the bedroom as well. The layout of the stage, as well as Hal’s action within it gave off the impression that he was a rebel. The set was an aid in the portrayal of Hal’s character during this part of the play. 

The costumes played a vital role in this production as well. The costumes contributed to the personalities of each character; This proves to be true at the beginning of the play when Prince Hal (Alex Hassell), the son of King Henry IV (Jasper Britton), is portrayed as a person not of royalty by wearing boxers without a shirt. During this scene in Act One he rebels by hanging around with Falstaff, who is a drunk. However, as the play goes on, his character changes, as well as his attire. He transforms himself into the noble and honorable person his his father always dreamed of. By the end of the play, Hal wears military clothing, wins the battle, and ultimately saves his father’s life. The clothing Hal wore made the changes he made to himself more evident.

Lighting is another important aspect of the play, especially during the war scenes. The flashing lights during this part of the production adds intensity that distinguishes it apart from the rest of the play. The war scene is a crucial part of the play because it is the when Hal demonstrates his change in character by saving his father’s life and killing Hotspur (Trever White). The lighting used during the war scenes helped viewers see the importance of the actions that took place during the time. The darkness of the stage during moments of the production also convey something to the audience. The stage is darker in the beginning of the play when Henry IV finds out that Mortimer (Robert Gilbert), one of his noblemen, was defeated and put into prison by the Welsh army. At this point of the play King Henry realizes that his kingdom is on the line. Soon after finding out the news about Mortimer, Hotspur makes him unhappy by telling him he refused to bring the prisoners to him. The anger or worry felt by King Henry during these scenes are amplified by the darkness presented in the set.

The fear of one’s self-image stood out to me throughout the play. Characters worry a lot about what others think of them. Hal wants to prove himself an honorable and noble person as his father wanted. He rebels at the beginning of the play to prove to others that he can straighten himself out and become the grand person his father always wanted. He completely transforms himself to impress others, especially his father. Falstaff wants others to think highly of him as well, even if that means lying in the process. This is revealed right after Hal kills Hotspur; when others come to recover his body, Falstaff re-stabs Hotpur and pulls his sword out just as they arrive. He pretends that he is the one who killed him so other would think highly of him. 

Watching this play opened my eyes to my own worries about my image. I realized how much I worry about what others think of me, just as it is to the characters in the play did. I want others to think highly of me in every situation, even if it means adjusting my personality to fit in. I do so without even noticing at times. I want to uphold the expectations of my parents and teachers, just as Hal wanted to uphold that of his father’s. I will go above and beyond at times to impress others. Similarly, Falstaff lied to make his image look better. This play has taught me that I worry to much about what others think of me. I should be myself and not live by the views of others. I know that ones image is important is some aspects, but it is not when it causes you to lie or not stay true to yourself. I should learn from others and be me in the process. Changing my personality to fit in and impress others is not the way one should live!